NCCE Chair Calls for Greater Focus on Parenting and Family Planning
Kathleen Addy urges stronger parental responsibility and greater involvement of the clergy in family education.
- Addy advocates responsible parenting.
- Clergy urged to promote family values.
- Community engaged on health and GBV.
The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has called on the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to prioritise married women in the provision of family planning and contraceptive services as part of efforts to help manage birth rates.
Speaking at a community engagement on civic responsibility, adolescent health and gender-based violence at Ahomahomaso in the Fanteakwa North District, Ms. Addy said high birth rates contribute to child neglect, as some parents struggle to adequately care for large families.
According to her, the inability of some parents to provide for their children has forced many young people into child labour, street trading and other social vices.
Ms. Addy also called on religious leaders to place greater emphasis on responsible parenting in their teachings.
She urged the clergy to educate congregants on behaviours that strengthen families and promote responsible child upbringing, describing parenting as a civic responsibility.
The engagement also featured public education sessions on adolescent health and gender-based violence. Public Health Nurse Diana Antwiwaa educated participants on adolescent health issues, while ASP Dorah Nortsu of the Begoro Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) spoke on preventing gender-based violence.
Residents who attended the forum shared their experiences and commended the NCCE for organising the programme.
Among those present were the Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah; her deputy, Augustine Bosrotsi; and the Assembly Member for the area, Fiagbor Kwame Theophilus.
By Ham A. Afeti
AHOMAHOMASO, FANTEAKWA NORTH, E/R
