The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified community engagement activities in the Chereponi District, reaching 103 participants. This initiative aims to address critical challenges affecting adolescent growth and development in the region.
The engagement focused on promoting behavioral change. It sought to address barriers preventing access to accurate information on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). This outreach forms part of a broader project.
This project is being implemented by the NCCE in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). It receives funding support from Global Affairs Canada. The goal is to foster positive behavioral change and create safer environments for adolescents across Ghana. Such community-level interventions are crucial for national development, particularly in rural areas where access to information can be limited.
Mr. Sulemana Abdulai, the Chereponi District Director of the NCCE, stated the program's objective. He explained it sought to empower adolescents and communities with accurate information. This helps young people make informed decisions, preventing teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, and gender-based violence. The NCCE's consistent efforts in civic education are vital for strengthening social structures and promoting responsible citizenship.
The initiative also provided a platform for interaction between community members and health professionals. This enabled participants to seek clarification on reproductive health issues. They also discussed cultural practices that affect adolescents. Mr. Abdulai noted that holding the program at a busy market and transport hub posed some challenges. Traders were reluctant to leave their stalls due to business commitments and weather conditions.
Mr. Abdulai recommended adopting a “walk-and-talk” approach for future market outreaches. This would allow traders to receive information without abandoning their businesses. He also called for the continued involvement of qualified health professionals. This enhances the credibility and effectiveness of community education programs. This adaptive strategy demonstrates the NCCE's commitment to effective public engagement.
Health professionals at the event used the forum to dispel misconceptions about family planning. They specifically addressed the belief that contraceptive use causes fibroids. They emphasized the importance of reproductive rights and access to healthcare services. This direct engagement helps combat misinformation prevalent in many communities.
Officials from the Ghana Health Service and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service also educated participants. They covered various forms of gender-based violence, including economic abuse, domestic violence, and the denial of reproductive autonomy. They encouraged residents to report cases of abuse and support efforts to protect vulnerable members of society.
Mr. Samuel Mahama, Officer-in-Charge of the Chereponi Hospital, urged community members to rely on qualified health professionals. He stressed this for information on family planning and reproductive health, rather than myths and misinformation. He explained that family planning methods affect individuals differently due to variations in body chemistry. This highlights the need for personalized medical advice.
Chief Inspector Kingsley Kanda, Officer in charge of DOVVSU at the Chereponi District Police Command, further educated participants. He explained that abuse extends beyond physical assault. It includes economic deprivation, emotional abuse, and denying a person’s right to make informed reproductive health decisions. Chief Inspector Kanda encouraged victims and witnesses to report cases promptly to the appropriate authorities for protection and redress. This comprehensive approach to civic education is expected to foster a more informed and protective community environment in Chereponi.