UNICEF, CNC use drama to advocate for protection and rights of children

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has successfully held its Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) mobile theatre program in Northern Ghana.

The event aimed to raise awareness about practices that hinder children’s development and emphasized the need for the community to champion children's welfare for a better future.

Organized by the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in the Northern Region, the event featured a drama titled "For Our Bright Future, End Child Marriage Now," written by playwriter Madam Antoinette Dzorgbenyuie Kotoko-Letsa. The program was performed across several regions, including Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Western, Western North, Central, and Volta regions.

In the Northern Region, performances took place in Dagbanli in eight communities, namely Dabogshei, Nlalaayili, Kpana, and Tunaayili in the Tolon District, and Dufaa, Gukpua Tua, Salaamba, and Gbambaya in the Tamale Metropolitan area. The dramas covered a range of important themes, such as child marriage, hand and personal hygiene, sexual abuse, verbal and non-verbal child abuse, neglect, the importance of education and skills training, and child labor, particularly through early marriage.

Other topics included HIV education, child rights, inclusive education for both boys and girls, the acquisition of birth certificates for children at birth, drug abuse prevention, the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to prevent malaria, antenatal care, and the role of traditional birth attendants in partnership with the Ghana Health Service to ensure immunization at the appropriate ages.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Community Development and Social Welfare (DCDSW), Ghana Health Service, the Department of Children, Ghana Education Service, Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC), and Savana Signatures, Tamale. Monitoring and evaluation took place from November 4th to 6th, 2024.

In one of the scenes, Teacher Jilma demonstrates proper handwashing using a Tippy Tap, a locally made hand-washing device, after visiting a household toilet.

He explains the benefits of the Tippy Tap and emphasizes the importance of hygiene. The drama also featured Mba Faako, a neglectful husband and father who, instead of caring for his family, marries off his twelve-year-old daughter, Wuntima, to a much older man, Alhaji Inusah.

Wuntima’s brother, Sagtiti, turns to drugs and engages in reckless behavior. While in her marital home, Wuntima endures physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse from her husband and his senior wife. She is forced to carry out heavy household chores, including washing clothes while heavily pregnant and ill, and works for the community to earn money for herself and her children.

Community leaders and residents expressed their gratitude to UNICEF and CNC for the advocacy and pledged to abandon harmful practices that threaten the well-being of their children and communities. Mma Salma, an officer at the Department of Community Development and Social Welfare, shared her intention to pursue her academic dream of becoming a mathematics teacher.

In Dabogshei, Tolon District, an elder named Mr. Zakaria Adam reflected on how his daughter, who had gotten pregnant while in school, was initially kept at home with the belief that her education was over. However, after watching the drama, he recognized the importance of supporting his daughter's return to school, and she is now enrolled in a community school.

Mr. Alhassan Ziblim from Dabogshei encouraged others to install Tippy Taps in their homes to improve health and sanitation.

The Acting Deputy Director of the CNC for the Northern Region, Mad Kotoko-Letsa, appealed to the chiefs and elders of the communities to encourage young girls who have migrated south in search of menial jobs to return home and continue their education.