NCCE ANLOGA DISTRICT DIRECTORATE SCORES GOALS FOR ADOLESCENT HEALTH, PREVENTION OF GBV, HIV AND POSITIVE MASCULINITY

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Anloga District Directorate, has engaged men and boys on Adolescent Reproductive Health and Rights (ARHR), gender-based violence (GBV), HIV prevention and positive masculinity to promote healthy relationships, protect adolescent rights and build safer communities.

Held at the Awormefia Togbi Sri III Astroturf football field, the programme was organised under the NCCE’s partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with support from Global Affairs Canada. It combined civic education with sporting activities to encourage learning, participation and positive behavioural change.

Welcoming participants, the Director of the NCCE, Anloga District, Togbi Hatsu III, urged them to take the messages seriously and become ambassadors of positive change in their communities. He emphasised the collective responsibility of creating safe environments where adolescents, particularly girls, can enjoy their rights and dignity.

Speaking on ARHR, the Anloga District Health Promotion Officer, Mr. Sedudzi Gborgblorvor, educated participants on responsible decision-making, sexual and reproductive health, the prevention of unintended pregnancies and the importance of accessing accurate health information and appropriate services. He encouraged participants to make informed choices and create supportive environments where young people could seek reproductive health guidance without fear, shame or stigma.

On his part, the Anloga District Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Sylvester Kojo Deku, addressed participants on GBV and HIV prevention, explaining the various forms of gender-based violence and their harmful effects on individuals, families and communities. He encouraged participants to reject violence, report abusive behaviour, know their HIV status, and avoid stigmatising or discriminating against people living with HIV.

Contributing to the discussions, Civic Education Officer at the NCCE Anloga, Miss Emmanuella Woelikplim Afetorgbor, challenged men and boys to reject harmful stereotypes that associate manhood with dominance, aggression, violence and sexual pressure. She explained that positive masculinity involves respect, responsibility, self-control, empathy, equality and care for others. Miss Afetorgbor further urged participants to become positive role models and active partners in preventing GBV, protecting adolescent girls and promoting peaceful relationships, emphasising that true strength lies in responsible leadership, respect for human dignity and the courage to speak against harmful practices.

Beyond the educational sessions, participants were treated to a friendly football match between the Anloga District Teachers Sporting Club and the Anloga District Assembly Fun Club. The encounter provided an opportunity to reinforce the values of teamwork, discipline, tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence, while demonstrating the potential of sports as an effective tool for civic education.

Drawing participants and community members together, the match further amplified messages on health, gender equality, violence prevention and responsible behaviour. Following an exciting contest, the Anloga District Teachers Sporting Club emerged victorious, securing a 4–3 win in a penalty shootout.

To recognise the teams’ participation and sporting spirit, branded NCCE, UNFPA and Global Affairs Canada T-shirts, cups, medals and the ultimate trophy were presented at the conclusion of the programme.

Through the initiative, the NCCE Anloga District Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to promoting adolescent health, gender equality, positive masculinity and community participation in preventing gender-based violence.