By Michael Pepsin Avorgah, GNA
Ave-Dakpa (V/R), Dec. 23, GNA – The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) has engaged community members of Ave-Dakpa and Posmonu in the Akatsi North District of the Volta Region as part of efforts to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health, to protect young girls, and reduce teenage pregnancy in the area.
The programme, which is funded by the UNFPA, is dubbed: ” Voices and Choices” under the Adolescent Girl’s Empowerment and Service programme in the district.
The community gathering brought together opinion leaders, parents, health workers, and youth leaders to discuss emerging concerns on family planning (FP), sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), abuse, and responsible parenting.
Mr Christopher Makam, Volta Regional focal person of the UNFPA Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment and Service programme, said the engagement was data-driven, following records of rising teenage pregnancy cases, STIs, child marriage and other adolescent health challenges in parts of the district.
“The selection of Ave-Dakpa and Posmonu was informed by evidence and health reports. The issues affecting adolescent girls here require inclusive community discussions and practical solutions,” he said.
He added that although young girls aged 10 to 19 were the primary target of the programme, parents and community leaders were included to ensure collective understanding, shared responsibility, and stronger community protection for children.
The discussions focused on causes of teenage pregnancy, abstinence, condom and contraceptive use, menstrual health education, peer influence, effects of teenage pregnancy, school dropout, health complications, financial burdens on families, and social consequences.
Mr Makam urged girls to confidently report abuse and seek help from PPAG, the Social Welfare and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), noting that silence endangers victims and deepens their vulnerability.
Mr Christoph Atiavor, Akatsi North District Public Health Nurse, described the engagement as timely, particularly during the festive season when many young people were vulnerable to unsafe sexual activities.
“Teenage pregnancy trends in Akatsi North have improved through interventions like this, but concerns remain. We recorded 37 teenage pregnancies within the first half of the year, so continuous education is necessary,” he stated.
He identified peer pressure, weak parental guidance, and poor knowledge of menstrual health as major contributors to the challenge, urging girls to prioritise their future, while encouraging parents to take an active interest in their children’s welfare.
Some participants expressed appreciation to PPAG and UNFPA, noting that the education renewed awareness, strengthened confidence among girls, and encouraged open conversations between parents and children.
Ms Josephine Adegbe, a participant, said the engagement empowered them with the knowledge to make informed decisions, while Madam Fati Sakpaku, a parent, appealed for regular community outreach, acknowledging parenting lapses as a contributing factor.
Akatsi North, predominantly an agricultural district with significant tomato cultivation, also hosts the well-known Ave-Dakpa crocodile eco-tourism site.
Community leaders expressed hope that healthier adolescents would contribute to education, local development, and Ghana’s broader socio-economic growth.
The programme ended with renewed calls for community collaboration, stronger protection systems for young girls, and sustained public health education.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei