Addressing Adolescent Challenges in Ghana
The Forum for African Women Educationalists-Africa (FAWE-Africa), an international non-governmental organization, has emphasized the need for increased efforts to tackle the challenges faced by adolescents. During a monitoring visit to beneficiaries of the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project in Bongo, Mr. Martin Okhako, Project Officer at FAWE-Africa, highlighted that while progress has been made, more needs to be done to address ongoing issues.
Okhako pointed out that teenage pregnancy and child marriage remain significant concerns, with far-reaching consequences for communities. He noted that these issues are particularly challenging for governments, as adolescents form a large portion of the population and are crucial for the future of any nation. According to available data, many cases of teenage pregnancy lead to school dropouts, which can hinder the potential of young people to become future leaders.
The SHARE project is a five-year initiative implemented in Ghana by a consortium led by Right To Play, with support from WaterAid Ghana, FAWE-Ghana, and FHI360, and funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project is being rolled out in several districts, including Kassena-Nankana and Builsa Municipalities, as well as Kassena-Nankana West and Bongo Districts. Its goal is to promote gender equality by providing access to age-appropriate sexual and reproductive education and gender-responsive care for young people, especially girls and young women.
During the monitoring visit, the team aimed to evaluate the project's implementation and its impact on the communities involved. This process allows for learning lessons that can be applied in other areas. Okhako explained that although Ghana, like many African countries, has outlawed practices such as child marriage, the enforcement of these laws remains a challenge. He called for stronger measures to protect adolescents and ensure their rights are upheld.
In countries like Kenya, there has been a focus on sensitization and collaboration among various stakeholders, including parents, caregivers, teachers, and government institutions. This approach has led to positive changes, with many adolescents becoming more resilient. Okhako urged the government to integrate sexual and reproductive health education into basic school curricula to address the root causes of adolescent challenges. By doing so, students would gain essential knowledge about their bodies and the risks associated with early sexual activity.
Mr. Eli Katsakpor, Programmes Officer at FAWE-Ghana, emphasized the importance of educating adolescents on the use of contraceptives, particularly condoms, to prevent teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Madam Celestina Awuni, a Public Health Nurse with the Ghana Health Service in Bongo, noted that while there have been some reductions in teenage pregnancy rates, the statistics remain concerning. She encouraged parents to take a more active role in guiding their children and preventing risky behaviors.
Mr. Philimon Ataba, Assemblyman for the Bongo-Soe-Tamolga Electoral Area, acknowledged the contributions of the SHARE project in increasing awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues. He expressed hope that this knowledge would lead to more effective efforts to combat teenage pregnancy and child marriage in the region.
Through initiatives like the SHARE project, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing adolescent challenges through education, policy enforcement, and community involvement. These efforts are essential to ensuring that young people have the tools and support they need to lead healthy, productive lives.