Ayensuano NCCE Raises Awareness on Child Abuse among PWDs in Coaltar

In a bid to deepen public understanding of child abuse, the Ayensuano District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) held a targeted outreach session for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the Coaltar Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

The sensitization programme, led by the District Director, Dr. Nana Kwesi Boateng, focused on equipping participants with knowledge of the forms, risks, and preventive strategies regarding child abuse. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Boateng described child abuse as “a cancer within society” and urged community members to actively resist and report abusive behaviours.

He outlined three primary categories of child abuse:

Physical Abuse: Infliction of bodily harm through hitting, beating, or other violent acts.
Emotional Abuse: Psychological harm caused by verbal assaults, neglect, or manipulation.
Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or exploitation involving minors.

He emphasized that sexual abuse, in particular, has become increasingly prevalent through social media platforms, posing new threats to children’s safety. “The digital space has amplified the risks,” he warned, “and it is very worrying”.

Dr. Boateng urged parents and guardians to prioritize the welfare of their children, stressing vigilance both online and offline. “Protection begins at home, and every parent must be proactive in safeguarding their child’s physical and emotional well-being”, he noted.

The session also provided a safe space for participants to share their experiences and ask questions, reinforcing the NCCE’s commitment to inclusive civic engagement. They expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and empowering.