NCCE Intensifies GBV and Adolescent Health Awareness Campaign at Abrigin Beach and Anlo-Afiadenyigba Fish Market

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Keta Municipal Office, has continued its community sensitization campaign on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), adolescent pregnancy, harmful social norms, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) with a mobile van outreach at Abrigin Beach and the Anlo-Afiadenyigba Fish Market.

The exercise forms part of the project, "Empowering Community and Youth for Adolescent Health, Gender Equality, and Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Civic Engagement," being implemented by the NCCE in partnership with UNFPA and funded by Global Affairs Canada.

At Abrigin Beach, fishermen and fish processors paused their daily activities to listen to civic education messages delivered through the NCCE mobile van. The engagement focused on protecting adolescents from abuse, promoting their health and well-being, and addressing harmful social norms and practices that hinder their development. Participants were reminded that gender-based violence has far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

The outreach later moved to the Anlo-Afiadenyigba Fish Market, where traders, market women, transport operators, and other residents received education on adolescent reproductive health, gender equality, and the need to create safe and supportive environments for young people. The busy market setting enabled the Commission to reach a broad cross-section of the community with key civic messages.

Addressing participants, the Assistant Civic Education Officer (ACEO), Ms. Agartha Fiakofi, explained that the project aims to promote positive behavioral change regarding adolescent health, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and the prevention of gender-based violence. She stressed that the active participation of boys and men is essential in challenging harmful social norms, promoting gender equality, and fostering respect for the rights of all persons.

She further urged parents and guardians to provide adolescents with the guidance, care, and support they need to make informed decisions about their future. She emphasized that every child, particularly the girl child, deserves to grow up in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment free from violence and discrimination.

Ms. Fiakofi also encouraged community members to speak out against abuse and violence, noting that silence often allows perpetrators to continue harming others. She urged residents to report cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities to ensure that victims receive protection and justice while preventing future incidents.

The outreach also sought to strengthen community participation in addressing practices that undermine adolescent reproductive health and to promote collaboration among key stakeholders in safeguarding the well-being of young people.

Residents expressed appreciation for the initiative and commended the NCCE for bringing important civic education directly to the community through the mobile van campaign.

The NCCE reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities through sustained civic education and promoting collective action towards a society where adolescents can grow in safety, dignity, and good health.