NCCE, GHANA HEALTH SERVICE AND KPANDO PRISONS MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The Kpando Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education, in collaboration with the Kpando Prisons, commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with an educational programme held at the Prisons premises at Kpando Todzi.

The event brought together officers and staff of the Ghana Prisons Service, resource persons from the NCCE Kpando Municipal Office, and a team from the Ghana Health Service for an engagement aimed at promoting diligence, fairness in public service, and awareness of important health issues affecting women. The programme formed part of activities to celebrate the contribution of women to national development while encouraging greater commitment to professionalism, discipline, and personal well-being in the workplace.

Madam Ruth Ilupeju and Madam Jennifer Agbah of the NCCE Kpando Municipal Office participated in the programme as resource persons. Speaking on the theme, “Give to Gain,” Madam Ilupeju encouraged participants to work diligently and fairly in the discharge of their national duty as officers of reform within the Ghana Prisons Service.

She explained that officers of the Prisons Service occupy an important place in the justice and correctional system and therefore have a responsibility to serve with commitment, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. According to her, prison officers are not only custodians of inmates, but also agents of reform whose conduct, attitude, and professionalism can contribute significantly to the rehabilitation and transformation of persons in custody.

Madam Ilupeju stressed that giving one’s best in service often produces lasting benefits for both the individual and society. She noted that diligence in duty, fairness in dealing with inmates and colleagues, and sincerity in service are qualities that strengthen institutions and promote public confidence in state agencies. She therefore urged the officers to remain steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities and to see their work as a meaningful contribution to national development and social reform.

She further reminded participants that the nature of their work directly affects the lives of the people under their care as well as the image of the institution they represent. She said that when public servants give their best, society benefits, and the individual worker also gains respect, fulfilment, and a stronger sense of purpose.

The Ghana Health Service team, invited by the NCCE to support the programme, was led by Madam Emilia Dzikpe, Municipal Public Health Nurse, who sensitised the female staff of the Ghana Prisons Service on cervical cancer. She took participants through the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of the disease.

Madam Dzikpe explained that cervical cancer remains one of the major health concerns affecting women and emphasised the importance of early detection through regular screening. She encouraged the female staff to take their health seriously by seeking medical attention promptly, going for routine check-ups, and adopting preventive health practices. She also responded to questions and concerns raised by participants on the disease and its management.

The programme offered participants the opportunity to reflect on the role of women in public service, the importance of diligence and fairness in institutional work, and the need to prioritise health while contributing to national development.

The collaboration between the NCCE, Kpando Prisons, and the Ghana Health Service underscores the importance of partnership among public institutions in promoting civic values, workplace ethics, and public health awareness.