Beyond the Final Whistle: NCCE Uses Football to Champion Gender Equality and Fight GBV in Upper Manya Krobo

Two football teams battled for victory on the pitch in Upper Manya Krobo, but beyond the goals and excitement, a bigger mission was unfolding: empowering young people, challenging harmful gender norms, and rallying communities to protect women and girls from gender-based violence.

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), through its Upper Manya Krobo District Directorate, turned the sporting encounter between Otrokper Football Club and Ochiribentoa Football Club into a platform for grassroots civic education. Organised in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with financial support from Global Affairs Canada, the initiative sought to promote adolescent health, gender equality, positive masculinity and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The event brought together young people, traditional authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to deepen public awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), while encouraging collective responsibility for building safer and more inclusive communities.

Addressing participants, the Chairperson of the NCCE, Ms. Kathleen Addy, emphasised the importance of investing in the education, training and empowerment of girls to enable them to realise their full potential. Recalling the popular campaign message, "Send Your Girl Child to School", she encouraged parents and community leaders to prioritise girls' education and provide equal opportunities for their personal development.

Ms. Addy stressed that girls and women deserved protection from all forms of violence and discrimination, noting that creating safe and supportive environments was essential to their wellbeing and meaningful participation in national development. She also encouraged adolescents to make responsible decisions concerning their sexual and reproductive health.

Touching on teenage pregnancy, the NCCE Chairperson underscored the need to involve boys and men in reproductive health education rather than placing the responsibility solely on girls. She explained that preventing teenage pregnancy required collective efforts, including educating young people on abstinence, responsible behaviour and the consequences of their choices.

She commended UNFPA and Global Affairs Canada for their continued support towards initiatives that promote adolescent health, gender equality and community wellbeing.

Highlighting the significance of the sporting activity, Ms. Addy explained that football provided a common platform for breaking social barriers, strengthening community bonds and promoting tolerance. She noted that the values of teamwork, discipline, respect for rules and fair play were equally important in fostering peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.

The event was attended by the Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, Ms. Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah, and her deputy; the Asesewa District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Ruxton; Ms. Jenifer Dugbazah, a midwife in charge of the Otrokper Health Centre; traditional leaders, queen mothers and other community stakeholders.

After an exciting contest marked by sportsmanship and community spirit, Otrokper Football Club emerged as champions, receiving the first-position trophy and gold medals.

Beyond the competition, the initiative demonstrated how sports could bring civic education closer to communities while promoting dialogue on issues affecting young people. It reinforced the message that the fight against gender-based violence, much like football, requires teamwork, commitment, and the active participation of everyone.