The Department of Social Welfare and Community Development of Adansi Asokwa District Assembly embarked on a public engagement and sensitization program with apprentices of Hairdressers, Tailors and Dressmakers and Associations, Adansi Asokwa, Ashanti Region, Ghana. The program was held in the Adansi Asokwa community at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) church auditorium on 18th April 2023. One hundred and twenty (120) persons with five (5) males and one hundred and fifteen (115) females participated in the program. The program commenced at 10:15 am.
The objectives of the program were to build the capacity of the participants on domestic violence and other crime-related issues, their definitions, effects, and the associated punishment when one is found guilty by the court for committing such acts. Again, the program was designed to introduce participants to supporting systems available to aid any victim found in an abusive relationship or place. The program targeted building participants’ confidence to report any form of crime-related issues to appropriate offices for redress and necessary intervention.
The head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development facilitated the program. He revealed how important the participants were to the nation, the district, and their families and therefore encouraged them to desist from having any conflict with the law. He indicated that the laws are there to protect everyone and ensure peace, stability, and development for every citizen in our pursuit of development. He, therefore, encouraged participants to be focused and use the Helpline of Hope contact to reach out in addressing their issues and for necessary referrals.
Some of the issues addressed were the abandonment of an infant, abduction, rape, assaults, early marriages, all forms of abuse, defilement, sexual harassment, robbery, and many more.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Tsiboe Darko, used the opportunity to thank the Department for their consistent support in educating and helping the apprentices on issues affecting their lives. He, therefore, appealed to the Department to reach out to the District Assembly to support the apprentices to subsidize their examination cost. He indicated that the necessary arrangements need to be made to help bridge the gap between the assembly and the associations.
Some of the participants shared their experiences after the education. Some expressed delight in the knowledge gained and prayed for consistent engagement.
Some of the participants also shared their challenges such as the high cost of accommodation in the district, request for tools and equipment, high cost of living in the district, and intervention of the assembly to meet with the association leaders on addressing matters concerning their graduation.
