NCCE Educates Cape Coast Technical Senior High School on Gender Based Violence

The National Commission for Civic Education engaged students of Cape Coast Technical Senior High School on gender based violence, GBV, with particular focus on sexual exploitation, child marriage, and child prostitution. The engagement was led by Araba Aikins [Assistant Director] and Fred Mac-Ocloo [Assistant Director].

The engagement brought together about three hundred students and ten teachers and formed part of efforts by the National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE, to raise awareness on harmful practices that threaten the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of young people. The session provided an opportunity to discuss forms of abuse that occur within school settings and to encourage students to remain alert, disciplined, and responsible in their conduct.

During the presentation, the students were taken through the various forms of sexual exploitation, particularly in schools. Attention was drawn to situations where some senior students exploit junior students sexually in exchange for financial assistance or academic support. It was also noted that some individuals molest students without regard for the serious emotional, psychological, and physical harm caused to victims.

The resource persons strongly condemned such acts and stressed that they constitute violations of the rights of children and students. In discussing the legal implications, reference was made to Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution, Act 560, and the Criminal Code of Ghana. The students were informed that these legal provisions exist to protect children and punish perpetrators of abuse and exploitation.

Participants were also advised to conduct themselves well, remain disciplined, and take practical steps to protect themselves from attack. They were encouraged to move in groups when necessary, avoid situations that expose them to danger, and report any form of abuse to the appropriate authorities.

The discussion further highlighted some of the effects of sexual exploitation, including depression, emotional and psychological trauma, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS and syphilis. The students were reminded that such experiences can affect their health, academic life, and future development.

Madam Cynthia, Vice Principal of the school, thanked the NCCE for selecting what she described as a timely and relevant topic, noting that the engagement addressed concerns of importance to the school community.

The programme provided an important platform to educate students on gender based violence and to promote awareness of the laws, values, and behaviours needed to protect young people from abuse and exploitation.