NCCE uses football to promote adolescent health and prevent GBV

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has used a community football match at Effiduase in the New Juaben North Municipality, to educate adolescents and residents on reproductive health and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV)

The activity formed part of the Adolescent Girls Programme, being implemented by the NCCE in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, with funding from Global Affairs Canada

Dr Henrietta Asante-Sarpong, the Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the NCCE, said the programme aimed to increase awareness of adolescent reproductive health, the various forms of GBV and their effects

It also encouraged community members to take action to prevent abuse

She said the Commission used football as a community mobilisation tool because it brought people from different backgrounds together and created opportunities for dialogue, learning and collective action

The match, played at the Effiduase Methodist School Park between Oguaa FC and Sukuumu FC, ended in 5-0 in favour of Oguaa FC

The winning team received a trophy, while all the players were presented with medals and T-shirts

Ms Linda Owusu, a referee in the Women’s Premier League, officiated the match as part of efforts to promote gender inclusion and challenge the perception that football refereeing was mainly for men

Ms Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah, the Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, said the initiative used various approaches to reach adolescents, young people and the wider community

She stressed that adolescents deserved protection, support, and empowerment

Ms Ankrah encouraged survivors of violence, particularly girls and women who might fear stigma, to speak out and seek help rather than remain silent after experiencing rape or other forms of abuse

She identified the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service and health facilities as key referral points where survivors could report abuse, receive medical care and access other support services

Ms Ankrah said activities planned for the third quarter included three community fun games in New Juaben North, Asesewa in the Upper Manya Krobo District, and Kwahu West

The programme would also feature three radio engagements involving health practitioners and DOVVSU personnel

She said the radio programmes would provide platforms for public education, live discussions and phone-in sessions

Sunrise Radio hosted the regional engagement, while Rite FM in the Yilo Krobo District would host another session

Mr Barima Temeng, a Public Health Nurse at the New Juaben North District Health Directorate, educated participants on adolescence and the importance of providing young people with accurate information about their reproductive health

Ms Juliet Yeboah Simpey, the New Juaben North Municipal Director of the NCCE, also educated participants on harmful societal practices, physical assault, sexual violence, and emotional and psychological abuse

Source: GNA