NCCE Sounds Alarm Over Rising Gender-Based Violence and Child Prostitution in Yilo Krobo and Akrofuom Districts

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has raised a significant alarm regarding the surge in gender-based violence (GBV) and its devastating ripple effects on children and youth across the Ashanti and Eastern Regions. During recent stakeholder engagements, officials highlighted a worrying correlation between domestic instability and a rise in social vices, including child prostitution, drug abuse, and chronic neglect. The commission is calling for an immediate, unified response from traditional authorities, parents, and state institutions to address these burgeoning crises that threaten the safety and future of the nation's youth.

In the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region, Henrietta Glikpo, the Municipal Director of the NCCE, revealed a staggering 80% prevalence rate for gender-based violence in the area. Speaking at a sensitization program in Somanya, Glikpo noted that this environment of violence has led to a disturbing increase in child prostitution and the abandonment of teenage mothers. She emphasized that the lack of protection at home often forces children into exploitative situations, urging the community to move beyond passive concern and take active responsibility for the well-being and rights of vulnerable children.

Simultaneously, in the Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, District Director Ali Kassim reported similar trends, noting that recent surveys indicate a sharp rise in both GBV and drug abuse among the youth. The dialogue, which included clergy, educators, and health practitioners, identified a breakdown in parental supervision as a primary driver of these issues. Mrs. Mary Owusu Boateng from the Ghana Education Service added a critical sociological perspective, pointing out that deeply entrenched cultural beliefs continue to silence victims and impede the reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities.

To combat these challenges, the NCCE is advocating for a multi-sectoral approach that prioritizes community education and the strengthening of state protection mechanisms. Stakeholders across both districts agreed that addressing the root causes of violence requires a shift in cultural attitudes and a renewal of parental commitment to nurturing. The commission plans to continue its outreach efforts, focusing on empowering victims to speak out and ensuring that local leaders are equipped to handle cases of abuse and exploitation effectively to create a more supportive environment for the next generation.