Stakeholders have been urged to strengthen and provide timely and quality rehabilitation for survivors of torture and organized violence in the country.
To this end there is going to be an intensification of education for survivors and perpetrators of organized violence to know where, when and how to seek for help.
Service providers have therefore been urged to be mindful of human rights when providing services to survivors of torture and violence.
Speaking at a meeting held by BasicNeeds- Ghana in Tamale, Project Manager at BasicNeeds –Ghana, Mr. Dokurugu Adam Yahaya noted that issues about torture were critical and required a more comprehensive advocacy to address as well as the resultant trauma.
The meeting formed part of the project dubbed; ‘’strengthening access to timely and quality rehabilitation to survivors of torture and organized violence (TOV) in Ghana’’.
It aims at strengthening knowledge, skills, competence and attitudes of formal and informal service providers in the rehabilitation of survivors of TOV in four districts of Ghana.
The project is implemented in Tamale Metropolis and Zabzugu District in the Northern region and Ga west and Ledzokuku-krowor in the Greater Accra region.
It is being implemented by BasicNeeds-Ghana, Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) and Dignity Institute Against Torture based in Denmark.
Over 350 trauma-affected people from the four regions are expected to benefit. Approximately 3, 500 community members of the implementation area would be targeted.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, Ghana Prison Service, Peer Educators, faith-based organizations, community volunteers among others.
Speaking to Zaa News after the meeting, Northern Regional Director for NCCE, Alhaji Razak Saani called on community leaders to talk about the issue in the open.
Meanwhile, a Marriage Councilor, Abdul Aziz Ibn Sheraz has encouraged the general public to take counseling seriously to limit the effect of torture.
According to him, counseling help releases the stress on the individual and making them feel acceptable in society.
He said many people who have experienced trauma and torture feel disconnected, withdrawn and finds it difficult to connect with other people.
Mr Aziz further noted that no matter how agitated, anxious, or out of control one may feel, it’s important to know that you can change your arousal system and calm yourself, saying not only will it help relieve the anxiety associated with trauma, but it will also engender a greater sense of control.
He has therefore advised the general public to try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises and schedule time for activities that bring them joy such as visiting play grounds, cinemas among others.
BY: Lilian Walter
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