By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, June 19, GNA – Young people in Ghana have called for a greater role in shaping policies and programmes aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy and preventing HIV infections among adolescents.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Fourth National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Summit held in Accra.
Ms Marilyn Owusu, President of the Youth Action Movement, presented the communiqué on behalf of participants drawn from across the country.
The communiqué expressed concern over persistently high teenage pregnancy rates and rising HIV infections among adolescents and young people, particularly young women, despite the existence of national policies and strategies to address the challenges.
It said the situation continued to undermine educational attainment, economic opportunities, health outcomes and social inclusion, while slowing Ghana’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants acknowledged existing policy frameworks, including the National Population Policy, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy for Young People in Ghana and the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework, which align with international and continental commitments.
They, however, identified limited access to accurate information, youth-friendly health services, reproductive health education, contraceptive services and HIV prevention interventions as factors increasing the vulnerability of young people.
The communiqué called for strengthened implementation of evidence-based policies and programmes to address the social, cultural and economic drivers of teenage pregnancy and HIV infections, while safeguarding the rights and well-being of all young people, including persons with disabilities.
It said sustainable progress would require the active involvement of young people in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes affecting their lives.
Among the recommendations, participants called for increased investment in youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, including contraceptive and HIV prevention services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
They also advocated comprehensive reproductive health education in all basic and secondary schools and urged the Government to establish formal mechanisms for youth representation on national committees and decision-making bodies responsible for adolescent sexual and reproductive health programmes.
The communiqué further called for dedicated funding to support youth-led organisations to expand peer education, community outreach and social media advocacy on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Participants also urged regular public reporting on the implementation of key national policies and strategies to strengthen accountability and enable citizens to track progress.
“We present this youth communiqué as a call to action for strengthening investments, evidence-based interventions, youth-friendly services and supportive social environments that will empower every young person in Ghana to make informed choices, realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development,” it stated.
The two-day summit as held on the theme: “Reducing Teenage Pregnancy and Preventing HIV Among Young People: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
It brought together policymakers, development partners, health professionals, civil society organisations and young people to discuss adolescent sexual and reproductive health challenges and responses.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Samira Larbie