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Article History

Received: 10 July 2025

Accepted: 15 December 2025

First Online: 30 December 2025

Declarations

:

: The research was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Cape Coast, under approval number UCCIRB/CHLS/2021/78, in accordance with the IRB’s guidelines and the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. The study also complied with Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), ensuring the confidentiality and responsible handling of participants’ personal data. Permission to conduct the research in selected schools was formally granted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) office in the Mfantseman Municipality, following submission of an introductory letter. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. For minors (those under 18 years), parental or guardian consent was additionally secured, in line with Article 28, Clause 5 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Teachers were also briefed on the study’s purpose and procedures. Participants were assured of anonymity, confidentiality, and the voluntary nature of participation, including their right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

: Consent for publication of photographs and images was obtained from all relevant participants. For pupils under the age of 18, written consent was additionally secured from parents or legal guardians, as well as permission from the Ghana Education Service in the Mfantseman Municipality. All images were taken strictly for academic purposes and were not intended to facilitate the easy identification of participants. Every effort was made to anonymize the photographs and ensure that individuals cannot be personally recognized.

: The authors declare no competing interests.