By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Zorko (U/E), Nov 24, GNA – The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has engaged communities in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region as part of efforts to end teenage pregnancy, child marriage and gender-based violence.
The engagement formed part of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ghana adolescent girls’ empowerment project being implemented in the Feo, Saabo, Anafobisi, Apuwongo and Kodorogo communities in the district.
Dubbed “Community Breaking the Silence Forum” held in each of the communities, focused on issues such as ending child marriage, addressing inequalities, promoting gender responsiveness, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for young people., aimed at engaging various stakeholders, including community leaders, educators, health workers, youth representatives and young people to empower them and solicit support in the fight against child for sustainable growth and development.
Speaking at separate fora, Mr Martin Anyoka, Field Officer, PPAG, noted that teenage pregnancy, child marriage and gender-based violence were still critical issues affecting the growth of young people, particularly girls.
He said the situation had not only contributed to rising health complications and contraction of diseases but had also led to school drop outs rates which was adversely widening the gender gap and affecting sustainable development.
“This activity brought together community members to deliberate on issues of SRHR and find ways in curbing the issues that affected adolescent girls in most cases”, he said.
Madam Esther Mbilla, the Bongo District Adolescent Focal Person, Ghana Health Service, emphasised the importance of family planning to prevent teenage pregnancy and lauded the initiative, adding that it would help increase awareness on SRHR.
“This initiative is essential as it empowers the youth with vital knowledge about their reproductive health, enabling them to make informed choices about their futures.
“By engaging in discussions about family planning, the community fosters an environment where young people can openly share their concerns and seek guidance,” she added.
Madam Rita Abamah, Bongo District Girl Child Officer, Ghana Education Service who spoke on the teenage pregnancy and child marriages in each of the communities in the district, underscored the need for communities to support the fight against teenage pregnancy and child marriage in the district.
Pognaba Felicia Agampoka, Quenmother of Feo community, said the implementation of the project was helping the community to break some cultural barriers and contributing to increasing knowledge on SRHR which was contributing to reducing teenage pregnancy and child marriage.
Naba Adendaa Awanyelom II, Chief of Zorko Community pledged to make bylaws which would have clear consequences to punish perpetrators of child marriage and serve as a crucial step in the fight against child marriage.
By implementing these bylaws, the Chief hoped, could serve as a deterrent, discourage families from marrying off their daughters at young age and motivate other community leaders and stakeholders to take similar actions, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the movement against child marriage.
GNA