Tricycle riders sensitised to gender-based violence, child marriage
About 80 tricycle riders in the Awutu Senya District have been sensitised to gender-based violence, child marriage and sexual offences.
The one-day engagement was organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA), in collaboration with the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC), with sponsorship from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The programme sought to empower the riders, popularly known as Pragya riders, to serve as community advocates against harmful practices.
Addressing participants, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), led by Grace Armah, stressed the importance of male involvement in family planning, noting that reproductive health decisions should not be placed solely on women.
Family planning
She explained various family planning methods and encouraged men to use condoms not only to prevent unplanned pregnancies but also to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
She debunked common myths surrounding family planning, including claims that it caused fibroids, high blood pressure, or infertility, explaining that family planning improved the overall health of women and families.
She also touched on early sexual exposure among young girls and the need for guidance and protection at home.
On child marriage and cohabitation, the Department of Social Welfare, led by Linda Efua Demivo, revealed that some parents pushed their female children into early marriage due to financial gain.
She warned that men involved in child marriage could face at least 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
Sexual offence laws
A representative from DOVVSU, Richard Boadi-Twum, educated the riders on Ghana’s sexual offence laws, cautioning that engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16 years, whether with consent or not, constituted defilement and attracted severe punishment.
He noted that sentences for such offences ranged from not less than seven years with hard labour.
He also addressed rape laws, incest and the dangers of alcohol abuse, which, he said, often led to regrettable actions.
Fathers were particularly urged to protect children under their care and to avoid practices such as separating children from their mothers without providing adequate support, as this could increase their vulnerability.
Participants were encouraged to apply the lessons learnt and act as change agents within their communities to help prevent gender-based violence and child marriage.
Sharing their reflections, Mark Sageo, a 41-year old participant, thanked the organisers, describing the DOVVSU session as eye-opening and calling for more education on sexual offence laws.
Another participant, Samuel Aboagye Essel, 26 years, said the programme had enlightened him on the dangers of engaging with underage girls and reinforced his responsibility as a man to actively participate in family planning decisions.
The organisers urged the riders to remain law-abiding and contribute to creating safer communities across the district.
