Beyond the Trade: NCCE-Keta Equips GNTDA-Kedzi Apprentices with Knowledge to Make Safer Choices

Learning a trade prepares young people for work, but knowing their rights, understanding their health, and making informed choices prepares them for life. Recognising this important stage in the lives of young people, the Keta Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) engaged apprentices at the GNTDA-Kedzi Zone on 17 August 2026.

The engagement was facilitated by Ms. Agartha Fiakofi, Senior Civic Education Officer (SCEO), under the Adolescent Girls Programme (AGP), which seeks to equip young people and community members with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and contribute to safer and more inclusive communities.

A key focus of the engagement was Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR). Ms. Fiakofi encouraged the apprentices to take their health and rights seriously, explaining that access to accurate information is essential for making responsible decisions about their bodies, relationships and future.

She challenged the notion that conversations about sexual and reproductive health should be kept behind closed doors. Instead, she encouraged the apprentices to ask questions and seek reliable answers, noting that silence, stigma and misinformation can expose young people to avoidable risks.

The discussion also confronted the issue of gender-based violence (GBV). Ms. Fiakofi explained that violence extends beyond physical attacks and encouraged participants to recognise behaviours that violate the dignity, safety and rights of others.

She urged the apprentices to become active voices against GBV by speaking up against harmful behaviours, supporting survivors and reporting cases through appropriate channels. She stressed that preventing GBV is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of both men and women, particularly young people who have the ability to influence the attitudes and behaviours of their peers.

The conversation further explored contraception and family planning, providing an opportunity for participants to address common myths and misconceptions. Ms. Fiakofi advised the apprentices to seek health information from qualified professionals and credible sources rather than relying on rumours or unverified information.

Participants were also introduced to the importance of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. They were encouraged to familiarise themselves with available services and seek professional assistance whenever they have concerns about their health and well-being.

The interactive nature of the engagement allowed the apprentices to openly share their views, ask questions, and seek clarification on issues affecting their everyday lives. More importantly, it created a safe and respectful space for conversations around topics that are often difficult for young people to discuss.

The Adolescent Girls Programme (AGP) is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Through engagements such as this, the NCCE-Keta continues to bring civic education closer to young people, equipping them with the knowledge to understand their rights, make responsible choices, and contribute positively to their communities.

For the apprentices of GNTDA-Kedzi, the message was clear: building a successful future requires more than mastering a trade; it requires knowledge, responsibility, respect, and the courage to make informed choices.