By Kekeli K. Blamey, GNA
Adidome (V/R), Nov. 29, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Central Tongu District, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has convened a high-level stakeholder engagement.
It was aimed at strengthening community response to adolescent health challenges, promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence (GBV).
Mr George A. K. Amey, the District Director of the NCCE, said adolescent girls continued to face intersecting social vulnerabilities, including inadequate access to credible reproductive health information, entrenched cultural norms, and rising exposure to early pregnancy, unsafe sexual practices and violence.
He highlighted that the issues confronting adolescent girls are no longer isolated social concerns but developmental and public health priorities requiring urgent, coordinated action.
He said empowering girls with correct information, protection and opportunities remains central to building resilient families, progressive communities and a safer district.
Mr Amey commended UNFPA’s technical partnership, explaining that its focus on sexual and reproductive health, adolescent empowerment and eliminating harmful practices aligns directly with the district’s developmental priorities.
He also indicated that the engagement would be carried out throughout the district.
Citing national statistics that one in three women in Ghana faces physical violence in her lifetime, he called for a renewed community commitment to prevention and accountability.
“Engaging men and boys as allies is indispensable in reshaping harmful gender norms and promoting shared responsibility for sexual and reproductive health.
“As stakeholders, we must take ownership of this programme and provide the leadership required to safeguard our adolescent girls from all forms of exploitation,” he stressed, urging institutions to integrate gender-responsive actions into their routine programmes.
Mr Godsway Adabah, the District Adolescent Health Focal Person, underscored the urgent need for sustained adolescent education, early guidance and improved youth-friendly services.
He said coordinated community involvement, positive role modelling and responsible peer networks remain critical to reducing health risks among young people.
Madam Cynthia Mensah of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), detailed on Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence.
She mentioned that GBV had been a continuing human rights violation that undermines the dignity and security of women and girls, and thus called for stronger institutional collaboration, enhanced reporting mechanisms and intensified community advocacy against discrimination and abuse.
The engagement brought together traditional authorities, development partners, district institutions, civil society groups and youth organizations, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to advancing adolescent welfare and promoting gender-responsive policies within Central Tongu.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christabel Addo