Akuapem North NCCE Engages Okuapeman SHS Students on Gender-Based Violence

From 25th November to 10th December 2025, the world marked the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence under the 2025 theme: “Unite! End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.” In commemoration of the campaign, the Akuapem North Municipal Office of the NCCE engaged students of Okuapeman Senior High School, Akropong, in an educational sensitisation programme.

The engagement, organised by the school’s Guidance and Counselling Unit, was held under the school’s local theme: “Protecting Our Girls from Sexual and Domestic Violence – The Responsibility of All – The Crime and The Law.” The session aimed at raising awareness among students on gender-based violence, its consequences, and the legal protections available to victims.

Speaking on the theme and purpose of the programme, Ms. Portia Hlovor, Principal Field Officer (PFO) of the NCCE, explained the concept of gender-based violence, highlighting its key forms and categories. She guided students to identify common manifestations of sexual and domestic violence that occur in schools, homes, communities, and workplaces, stressing the need for vigilance and early intervention.

Ms. Hlovor further educated the students on relevant provisions in Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, the Domestic Violence Act, and the Children’s Act, which criminalise acts of violence and provide protection for victims. She also outlined safe and appropriate reporting channels, including parents, trusted persons or teachers, peer counsellors, the school’s Guidance and Counselling Unit, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare, CHRAJ, and NCCE offices nationwide.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Eric K. Ocloo, Civic Field Officer (CFO), underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing gender-based violence. He encouraged students to challenge harmful behaviours, uphold zero tolerance for sexual harassment and all forms of abuse, and look out for one another. He further urged them to speak up and report suspected cases promptly to the appropriate authorities to ensure justice and protection for victims.

The programme reinforced the commitment of the NCCE and educational institutions to promoting a safe, respectful, and violence-free environment for all, particularly young girls.