Keta NCCE Engages Fishermen on GBV, Adolescent Health and Gender Equality During Beach Outreach

As part of efforts to deepen community involvement in the promotion of adolescent health, gender equality, and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Keta Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on 12th June 2026 carried out a beach outreach programme targeting fishermen and other fisherfolk along selected coastal communities.

The sensitization exercise was held at Abutsiakope Beach, Aborigine Beach, Dzelukope Beach, and Tetekope Beach, where participants were engaged on issues relating to GBV, adolescent pregnancy, harmful social norms, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The initiative sought to strengthen community understanding of these issues and encourage collective responsibility in protecting adolescents and promoting safe environments.

The programme forms part of the broader project titled **“Empowering Community and Youth for Adolescent Health, Gender Equality, and Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Civic Engagement,” which is being implemented by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.

During the engagements, facilitators Lina Elinam Bensah (Deputy Director) and Agartha Fiakofi (Assistant Civic Education Officer) emphasized that Gender-Based Violence remains a critical social challenge with far-reaching consequences on individuals, families, and national development. They called on participants to reject all forms of violence and discrimination and to actively promote peaceful, respectful, and healthy relationships within their households and communities.

The facilitators further highlighted the important role of men, particularly fishermen and male community members, in addressing GBV. They noted that men occupy influential positions within coastal communities and therefore have a responsibility to serve as role models in promoting gender equality, protecting children, and supporting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Attention was also drawn to adolescent pregnancy and its associated challenges. The discussions emphasized the need for communities to provide young people with accurate information, guidance, and protection to support their development. Facilitators explained that harmful social norms and practices often increase the vulnerability of adolescents, especially girls, limiting their access to education and opportunities for personal growth.

Participants were reminded that every child deserves a safe and supportive environment in which to grow and reach their full potential. Parents and guardians were encouraged to maintain open communication with their children and take an active interest in their well-being, particularly on issues relating to health, relationships, and personal development.

The outreach further underscored the importance of reporting cases of violence, abuse, and exploitation. Facilitators noted that speaking out against wrongdoing is essential in protecting vulnerable individuals and strengthening community safety systems.

The engagement aligns with the project’s objectives of promoting positive behavioural change, strengthening community participation in addressing harmful practices, increasing male involvement in advancing adolescent health and rights, and enhancing stakeholder ownership of interventions aimed at preventing Gender-Based Violence.

The fishermen and participants welcomed the initiative and expressed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at promoting healthy family relationships, protecting young people, and fostering communities free from violence, discrimination, and abuse.