Upper East Civic Education Message Tackles Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Bolgatanga SHS

In a move to combat child abuse and sexual harassment in schools, the Upper East Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in partnership with the Regional Department of Children, has implemented an educational outreach activity at Bolgatanga Senior High School. The initiative, aimed at empowering students, particularly the girl child, sought to raise awareness about abuse and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to resist exploitation by peers and authority figures.

Addressing a packed auditorium of students and staff, Deputy Upper East Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. Augustine Awinvom Akugri, delivered a sobering message on the physical and psychological toll of sexual harassment. He cited a range of consequences, including physical injuries, chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and long-term health complications. “Beyond the physical harm,” Mr. Akugri emphasized, “abuse can inflict deep emotional trauma that disrupts a student’s education and prospects.”

Echoing the urgency of the message, the Regional Director of the Department of Children, Madam Georgina Aberese-Ako, urged students to report incidents of abuse and harassment to school authorities and law enforcement agencies without delay. “Silence enables abuse,” she said, “but speaking up can save lives and futures.” She also cautioned girls against succumbing to peer pressure and early marriages, which she described as threats to their academic and personal development.

In a separate session with teaching staff, Mr. Akugri called on educators to uphold their duty of care and serve as protectors of student welfare. “Teachers must be allies in the fight against abuse,” he stated, “not perpetrators. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that every student thrives in a safe and supportive environment.”

The programme was met with enthusiastic appreciation from students and school authorities. Many called for sustained engagements of this nature to reinforce civic values and safeguard student rights.