By Kingsley Mamore
Kpassa (O/R), Sept. 23, GNA – The Oti Regional Directorate of the Department of Gender, with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) support, has engaged commercial motorbike riders at Kpassa on GBV, SRHR and adolescent protection.
The one-day sensitisation and empowerment workshop brought together more than 80 commercial Okada riders from various communities within the Nkwanta North District.
The engagement sought to enhance participants’ understanding of gender norms, power relations, positive masculinity, prevention and referral mechanisms for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraceptive use and adolescent protection.
Addressing the participants on behalf of the Nkwanta North District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Samuel Gyamena, District Coordinating Director, said the youth were an important resource for national development and needed guidance and support to realise their potential.
He encouraged the commercial motorbike riders to prioritise their personal development, sexual and reproductive health and responsible lifestyles to enable them to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities.
Mr Gyamena also cautioned the youth against using illicit substances, including cocaine, cannabis, heroin and tramadol, saying substance abuse could negatively affect their health, productivity and future prospects.
He urged them to make responsible choices and seek appropriate assistance whenever they faced challenges that could affect their wellbeing.
Madam Hammond Esther, a Gender Officer, expressed concern about teenage pregnancy in Kpassa and adjoining communities and encouraged young people to make informed decisions concerning their sexual and reproductive health.
She urged participants to support community efforts to prevent teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
According to her, Ghana Health Service data indicated that about 712 teenage pregnancies were recorded in 2024, compared with 700 cases in 2025, while approximately 450 cases were recorded between January and August 2026 among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.
Madam Hammond urged the Okada riders to become positive role models and advocates for preventing teenage pregnancy, child abuse and gender-based violence in their communities.
She said their regular interaction with young people and other community members positioned them to discourage practices that exposed adolescents to abuse, exploitation and inappropriate sexual relationships, while promoting respectful relationships and discouraging coercion, exploitation and transactional sex.
She encouraged participants to support adolescents to seek assistance from trusted health professionals and other appropriate service providers, and to encourage girls and boys to remain in school and pursue their educational and career aspirations.
She advised men who were not ready for sexual activity to abstain, while those who engaged in sexual activity should use condoms correctly and consistently. She also encouraged young people to seek accurate information and professional guidance from qualified health personnel on appropriate contraceptive methods.
The workshop was formed part of efforts by the Department of Gender and its partners to strengthen community-level awareness and promote gender equality, adolescent protection and access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Audrey Dekalu