MTN Ghana Foundation Rallies New Asafo Pupils to Fight Gender-Based Violence, Donates ICT Equipment

MTN Ghana Foundation Rallies New Asafo Pupils to Fight Gender-Based Violence, Donates ICT Equipment

The MTN Ghana Foundation has intensified its advocacy against gender-based violence as part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, engaging pupils of New Asafo Basic and JHS in Asokwa, Kumasi, with sensitization activities and an educational debate on gender equality.

The international campaign, observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, mobilizes communities worldwide to end violence against women and girls. MTN Ghana’s effort this year focuses strongly on educating young people about both physical and digital forms of abuse, especially those targeting girls.

MTN: Violence Must Never Be Normalized

Speaking at the event, George Kyei Frimpong, Education Portfolio Advisor for the MTN Ghana Foundation, said the campaign launched nationally in November 2024aims to spread awareness among schoolchildren and communities.

“MTN abhors any form of violence, especially gender-based violence. The sensitization is essentially for people to desist from it,” he stressed.

Frimpong urged pupils to build a culture of respect, particularly encouraging boys to treat girls with dignity and reject discriminatory attitudes.

He also drew attention to the rising threat of cyberbullying, noting that online harassment disproportionately affects girls and often impacts victims’ emotional well-being offline.

Debate Sparks Insight: Girls’ Team Wins Narrowly

A key highlight of the engagement was a debate on the motion:
“Teaching boys and girls the same content will prevent violence.”

The girls’ team argued that equal education fosters respect, discipline, and mutual understanding. They clinched victory with 842 points against the boys’ 820, earning recognition and MTN-branded prizes.

Boost for ICT Learning

To further support the school, MTN donated tablets and additional ICT equipment to enhance teaching and learning in the computer laboratory.

Frimpong added that focusing on basic school learners ensures children grow with a grounded understanding that gender-based violence,whether offline or online,must never be tolerated.

Similar MTN-led sensitization programmes have recently been held in communities across Ghana as part of the broader national campaign.