NCCE Strengthens Efforts to Promote Adolescent Health and Combat Gender-Based Violence in Atwima Nwabiagya South

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified efforts to address adolescent reproductive health and gender-based violence (GBV) in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.

The Municipal Directorate of the Commission convened a diverse group of stakeholders at Nkawie to provide a common platform for dialogue, reflection, and coordinated action on these critical issues.

Participants included youth groups, men and women’s associations, faith-based organizations, traditional authorities, government agencies, and health professionals.

Mr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Wiredu, Municipal Director of the NCCE, emphasized that reproductive health and gender-based violence could no longer be treated as peripheral concerns. He noted that the initiative forms part of activities under the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) 8th Country Programme (2023-2027), being implemented in selected districts across Ghana.

“The NCCE is determined to ensure that interventions at the community level are locally owned, culturally sensitive, and inclusive,” Mr. Wiredu stated. “Through this stakeholder engagement, we are fostering partnerships between service providers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and young people themselves.”

The session went beyond speeches, featuring lively, solution-oriented discussions co-facilitated by experts from various institutions, including Dr. Justice Thomas Sevugu, Municipal Director of Health Service; ASP John Tetteh and Chief Inspector Cecilia Owusu from the Ghana Police Service; and Mr. Seth Ampomah, Municipal Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development.

Key issues discussed included strengthening community responses to adolescent pregnancy, addressing myths and stigma around family planning and adolescent health, improving referral pathways for survivors of GBV, preventing abuse, and promoting safer, respectful relationships.

Mr. Wiredu expressed appreciation to UNFPA and Global Affairs Canada for supporting the NCCE in implementing this vital initiative. He expressed optimism that the programme would strengthen collaboration among institutions and communities to promote adolescent health, gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence in the municipality.

The engagement was held under the theme: “Empowering Community and Youth for Adolescent Health, Gender Equality, and Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Civic Engagement.”

A UNFPA-led initiative organized by the NCCE.