NCCE-Keta Encourages Youth to Speak Openly on Health and Safety

The Keta Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has encouraged young people to speak openly about their health, relationships, and personal safety as part of efforts to empower adolescents and promote responsible citizenship.

The call was made when Ms. Agartha Fiakofi, Senior Civic Education Officer (SCEO), engaged teens of the Global Evangelical Church at Dzelukope and youth of Royal House Chapel at Abutiakope.

The engagement formed part of activities under the Adolescent Girls Program (AGP), funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The program seeks to strengthen community awareness and empower young people to promote adolescent health, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

Ms. Fiakofi urged participants to rely on accurate and credible information when making decisions about their health and well-being. She educated them on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR), stressing the need to avoid rumors and misconceptions.

A major focus of the engagement was gender-based violence. Participants were sensitized to recognize signs of abuse and encouraged not to remain silent when they experience or witness violence. They were advised to seek support and report incidents through appropriate channels.

Ms. Fiakofi also addressed myths surrounding contraceptives and family planning services, encouraging the youth to verify information from reliable sources and seek guidance from qualified health professionals before making decisions concerning their sexual and reproductive health.

She further called for open and respectful conversations on sexual and reproductive health, saying young people should be provided with supportive spaces where they can ask questions without fear, embarrassment, or stigma.

The participants were also educated on how and where to access youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services and encouraged to seek timely professional assistance whenever they have health concerns.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the faith-based youth to discuss issues affecting their daily lives and reflect on their role in promoting respectful relationships among their peers.

Through such community-level engagements, the NCCE-Keta continues to bring civic education closer to young people and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to protect their rights, reject violence, and contribute to healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.