NCCE Educates Public on Adolescent Reproductive Health, Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence on Garden City Television

Mr. Awal Iddrisu of the Ashanti Regional Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) appeared on Garden City Television's 'Anopa Bosu Show' to discuss the topic, "Promoting Adolescent Reproductive Health, Gender Equality and Empowerment and Reducing Gender-Based Violence."

Speaking on behalf of the NCCE Ashanti Regional Office for the third time on the program, Mr. Iddrisu explained that gender equality is not intended to give one group an advantage over another. Rather, it seeks to ensure equal access to education, employment, and healthcare opportunities for both males and females, with the goal of enabling every individual to become a responsible member of society.

He stressed the importance of women's empowerment, citing the famous words of renowned educationist Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey: *"If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation."*

Mr. Iddrisu also referenced Article 12 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, cautioning against discrimination based on gender and emphasizing that the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms must be exercised with respect for the rights and freedoms of others.

He further encouraged the promotion of positive masculinity that respects and upholds the rights of women and girls. According to him, while some allegations of discrimination against Africans abroad may be exaggerated or orchestrated, others may partly stem from societal attitudes that fail to adequately respect the rights of women and girls at home.

To illustrate the achievements women can attain when given equal opportunities and support, Mr. Iddrisu cited notable personalities such as Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana; Ms. Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education; former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; and Christina Koch, the astronaut who recently became part of NASA's Artemis II mission and made history as one of the first women to participate in a lunar flyby mission.

Drawing from concerns raised during a recent engagement with members of the Dunkirk Cargo Transport Union on June 15, 2026, Mr. Iddrisu encouraged women to appreciate men who assist with domestic chores. He also advised against unnecessarily postponing household responsibilities for men returning from demanding work engagements when such tasks can reasonably be undertaken by other household members.

According to him, credible field reports indicate that disagreements over domestic responsibilities have, in some cases, contributed to marital breakdowns and divorce.

Mr. Iddrisu expressed gratitude to viewers, the program host Boahemaa Akoh, the management of Garden City Television, as well as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Global Affairs Canada for their continued partnership and support in implementing the program.