GARCC AND DEPARTMENT OF GENDER, WITH UNFPA SUPPORT, SENSITIZE ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG PEOPLE AT CHURCH OF PENTECOST PREMISES, TOTOPE
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Department of Gender and with support from the United Nations Population Fund, has organized a one-day sensitization workshop for adolescent girls and young people at the Church of Pentecost premises in Totope community.
The programme was aimed at reorienting and educating adolescent girls and young people on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Education and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. It also sought to help address the high incidence of teenage pregnancy and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Totope community.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Department of Gender, Madam Matilda Banfro, highlighted the purpose of the gathering. She explained that the sensitization was necessary to empower adolescent girls and young people with the right knowledge on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Education.
Madam Abigail Donson of the Ghana Health Service, Ada East District, also spoke on the objectives of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Education and its effects on the lives of young people. She encouraged the participants to take their health seriously and make informed decisions that would protect their future.
Mr. Jerome Ashie, Unit Head of the Ada East Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, educated the participants on Gender-Based Violence. He explained its types, effects, and the appropriate places where victims can report cases and receive support.
The Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in Ada East, Mr. Enoch Addy, delivered the welcome address and later gave the closing remarks. He encouraged the adolescent girls and young people to take the lessons taught by all the facilitators seriously and share the knowledge with their friends and family members.
Mr. Addy also gave out the office contact of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development to the participants. He urged them to call the office at any time they encounter or witness issues related to abuse, teenage pregnancy, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, or any challenge affecting young people in the community.
The Assembly Member for Totope, Hon. Prosper Populampo, advised the participants not to hide any form of abuse or threat because the perpetrator may be a relative, family friend, uncle or auntie’s child. He stressed that perpetrators must be reported and brought to book for their wrong deeds.
The programme also featured a question-and-answer session, which gave the adolescent girls and young people the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on the issues discussed during the workshop.
The event ended successfully with a closing prayer said by one of the adolescent girls, to the glory of God.
