By: Kekeli K. Blamey
A recent survey has revealed a shocking truth: one in 10 girls in Ghana has had sex before the age of 15.
To tackle this issue head-on, the Ministry of Education has launched a campaign to combat sexual harassment in pre-tertiary schools.
The campaign, themed “Safe Spaces, Empowered Voices: Ending Sexual Harassment in Our Schools,” aims to raise awareness and empower Senior High School students to stand up against sexual harassment.
The alarming statistics don’t stop there. According to UNICEF Ghana, 10.2% of girls aged 15-19 have had their first sexual experience, while 7.7% have been pressured into marriage and pregnancy.
These numbers highlighted the urgent need for action to protect the rights and well-being of girls in the country.
In a bid to avert the menace, the Ministry of Education has planned a series of activities over the next 16 days, coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, where all schools are expected to participate in this initiative to create a safer and more supportive environment for students, particularly girls.
The Regional Director of Education for the Greater Accra Region, Stephen Abamfo, emphasized the need to safeguard vulnerable students and create a safe and supportive environment for all.
Similarly, the Director of the Guidance and Counselling Unit at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Gifty Sekyi Bremansu, highlighted the importance of fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment to ensure effective teaching and learning.
