NCCE Intensifies Child Protection Education at Manso Abebuabou

The Amansie West Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified its public education campaign on child protection through a sensitization program held at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Manso Abebuabou.

The program aimed to raise awareness of children's rights and promote the collective responsibility of protecting children from all forms of abuse, particularly early child marriage and child labor, which continue to threaten the well-being and future prospects of many children.

Addressing participants, the District Director of the NCCE, Mr. Aziz Adjei Laryea, emphasized that every child has the right to education, healthcare, protection, and a safe environment free from exploitation. He noted that early child marriage deprives children, especially girls, of educational opportunities, exposes them to health risks, and limits their potential contribution to national development.

Mr. Laryea also cautioned against child labor, stressing that involving children in hazardous work or excessive economic activities negatively affects their physical, mental, and emotional development and constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights. He urged parents, guardians, religious leaders, and community members to work together to safeguard children by prioritizing education, reporting cases of abuse, and creating enabling environments for children to thrive.

A Senior Civic Education Officer, Mr. Stephen Agyei, who also served as a resource person, educated participants on the legal and moral obligations of protecting children as provided under Ghana's child protection laws. He encouraged community members to reject harmful cultural and social practices that expose children to exploitation, abuse, early marriage, and hazardous labor.

According to Mr. Agyei, child protection is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of families, faith-based organizations, traditional authorities, and state institutions.

The interactive session provided participants with an opportunity to discuss child protection challenges within their communities and identify practical measures to prevent child abuse, neglect, child labor, and early child marriage. Participants expressed appreciation to the Commission for the educational engagement and pledged to support child protection initiatives within their homes, churches, and communities.

The sensitization program forms part of the NCCE's ongoing efforts to promote responsible citizenship and increase public awareness of issues that safeguard the rights, welfare, and future of every child.