The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana has used a community football match to educate adolescents and residents on reproductive health and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). This activity was part of the Adolescent Girls Programme, implemented by the NCCE in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, with funding from Global Affairs Canada. The programme aims to increase awareness of adolescent reproductive health and GBV.
The football match, played at the Effiduase Methodist School Park, was between Oguaa FC and Sukuumu FC, with Oguaa FC winning 5-0. The winning team received a trophy, while all players were presented with medals and T-shirts. Dr. Henrietta Asante-Sarpong, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the NCCE, stated that football was used as a community mobilisation tool to bring people together and create opportunities for dialogue and collective action.
The programme also featured Ms. Linda Owusu, a referee in the Women’s Premier League, who officiated the match to promote gender inclusion and challenge the perception that football refereeing is mainly for men. Ms. Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah, the Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, stressed that adolescents deserve protection, support, and empowerment. She encouraged survivors of violence to speak out and seek help rather than remain silent.
Ms. Ankrah identified the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service and health facilities as key referral points for survivors of abuse. She mentioned that activities planned for the third quarter included community fun games in New Juaben North, Asesewa, and Kwahu West, as well as radio engagements involving health practitioners and DOVVSU personnel.
Mr. Barima Temeng, a Public Health Nurse at the New Juaben North District Health Directorate, educated participants on adolescence and the importance of providing young people with accurate information about their reproductive health. Ms. Juliet Yeboah Simpey, the New Juaben North Municipal Director of the NCCE, also educated participants on harmful societal practices and forms of abuse.
The NCCE’s initiative used various approaches to reach adolescents, young people, and the wider community. The programme aimed to encourage community members to take action to prevent abuse and promote adolescent reproductive health. The regional engagement was hosted by Sunrise Radio, while Rite FM in the Yilo Krobo District hosted another session.
The Adolescent Girls Programme is being implemented to increase awareness of adolescent reproductive health and GBV, and to encourage community members to take action to prevent abuse. The programme also aims to provide young people with accurate information about their reproductive health and to promote gender inclusion.
Key points
- NCCE promotes adolescent health through football in Ghana
- Programme aims to increase awareness of adolescent reproductive health and GBV
- Initiative uses various approaches to reach adolescents and the wider community
