NCCE-Keta Engages Agbeme Union Male Group on Gender-Based Violence and Adolescent Health

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Keta Municipal Office, on 7th June 2026, engaged the male group of Agbeme Union in an interactive community sensitisation programme on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), adolescent pregnancy, harmful social norms, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The engagement forms part of the project titled “Empowering Community and Youth for Adolescent Health, Gender Equality, and Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Civic Engagement,” which is being implemented by NCCE in partnership with UNFPA and with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.

The programme sought to promote positive behavioural change towards adolescent health, SRHR, and the prevention of GBV. It also aimed at increasing the involvement of boys and men as key partners in advancing gender equality and supporting behavioural change related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Furthermore, the engagement encouraged community participation in addressing harmful practices that negatively affect adolescent reproductive health and strengthened stakeholder ownership in promoting the well-being of young people.

Ms Lina Elinam Bensah, NCCE-Keta Municipal Director highlighted the harmful effects of Gender-Based Violence on individuals, families, and communities. Participants were encouraged to recognize their important role in preventing violence, promoting respect for human rights, and creating safe environments for women, girls, and all vulnerable persons.

The discussion emphasized that every child, especially the girl child, deserves a safe, supportive, and enabling environment to achieve their full potential. Participants were urged to support adolescents in making informed decisions regarding their health and well-being and to challenge harmful social norms that contribute to adolescent pregnancy, discrimination, and abuse.

The NCCE also encouraged community members to speak out against all forms of abuse and violence, stressing that reporting incidents and supporting survivors can help protect others and contribute to safer communities.

Participants actively contributed to discussions, shared experiences, and expressed their commitment to becoming advocates for positive change within their families and communities.

NCCE-Keta reaffirmed its commitment to working with community groups, traditional leaders, parents, and youth to promote adolescent health, gender equality, and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence, in line with the objectives of the project and the broader goal of building safe, inclusive, and resilient communities.