Asesewa Police record 57 domestic violence cases, including rape and defilement

The Asesewa Police Command has recorded 57 domestic violence cases in 2026, including nine cases of defilement, three rapes and two attempted rapes, the District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Buxton, has disclosed.

He said gender-based violence (GBV) takes several forms, including physical abuse, sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, economic abuse, child marriage and other harmful practices that violate the rights and dignity of victims.

Speaking at a football gala organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at Otrokper in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region, Chief Superintendent Buxton described gender-based violence as a serious social problem that affects individuals, families and communities.

He stressed that abuse, regardless of its form, should never be accepted as a normal part of family or community life.

The police commander urged residents to report cases of abuse, explaining that silence often prevents victims from receiving the necessary care and allows perpetrators to escape punishment.

He also encouraged community members to support victims without blaming, shaming or discriminating against them, and to report incidents to the appropriate authorities, health professionals and organisations that provide protection and support services.

NCCE promotes civic education through football

The programme formed part of efforts by the NCCE, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from Global Affairs Canada, to raise awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence in the Upper Manya Krobo District.

The football gala brought together young people, parents, community members, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to discuss adolescent health and rights, gender equality and the prevention of abuse.

NCCE Chairperson Kathleen Addy said national development depended on citizens understanding their rights and responsibilities, respecting diversity and resolving differences through dialogue rather than conflict.

She highlighted the need for innovative approaches to civic education that promote national identity, social cohesion, respect for the rule of law and community participation.

Ms Addy also underscored the importance of discouraging hate speech and vigilantism, while encouraging citizens to contribute to peace and national development.

The NCCE used the football field as a platform to communicate these messages in a participatory and youth-friendly environment, moving civic engagement beyond traditional durbar grounds.

The tournament was designed to demonstrate civic values through teamwork, respect for rules and referees, fair play, discipline and the peaceful acceptance of outcomes.

Otrokper FC win football gala

Otrokper FC emerged winners of the competition after a final match that kept spectators on edge.

The winning team received first-place medals and lifted the trophy amid cheers from community members.

Ochirebentoa FC finished as runners-up after displaying talent and sportsmanship throughout the competition. The team received second-place medals.

Participants welcomed the approach, saying the practical lessons on tolerance, peaceful coexistence and civic responsibility were easier to understand when demonstrated through activities on the football field.

The organisers said the programme showed how combining education with entertainment could encourage community participation and strengthen public understanding of civic responsibilities.

They added that the model could serve as a practical approach to promoting peace and social cohesion as Ghana continues its democratic processes, emphasising the importance of sustained community engagement around shared values.

Other dignitaries present included NCCE Eastern Regional Director Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah and her deputy, Jennifer Dugbazah, a midwife and officer in charge of the Otrokper Health Centre, as well as traditional leaders and queen mothers.