Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has launched a comprehensive education campaign aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy through Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) education.
The initiative brings together traditional rulers, media professionals, youth representatives, municipal authorities, political party members, and civil society organizations to drive awareness and change.
PNAfrica’s Programmes Manager, Mr. Gilbert B. Boyefio, emphasized that the widespread ignorance surrounding SRHR is contributing to Ghana’s broader socioeconomic challenges. He called on the public to prioritize education on these issues to create lasting solutions.
“We will all go out there and become apostles of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights education, since we can all work together to bring about that change as early as possible,” Mr. Boyefio urged.
He made these remarks during a Regional Consultation on SRHR held in Cape Coast, organized by PNAfrica in partnership with Marie Stopes International (MSI). The event was themed: “Empowering Champions for Productive Health: Influencing Policy Through Education and a Supportive Environment (ECHOES).”
Ms. Clara Nyakoah Anim, Director of Programmes and Operations at MSI, revealed that the Central Region’s adolescent pregnancy rate currently stands at approximately 13%. She further noted that 25% of youth who should be in senior high school are out of school, while 19% of primary school-aged children are also not enrolled.
“These statistics remind us that policies must not only be crafted but implemented effectively and equitably, reaching the most vulnerable in our communities,” she said.
Ms. Anim stressed that MSI’s goal is to position SRHR not only as a health concern but as a key pillar in achieving gender equality, poverty alleviation, quality education, and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, the Chief Director at the Central Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Bless Kwame Darkey, reiterated government’s commitment to providing universal access to quality SRHR services.
He noted that a comprehensive national policy is in place to ensure that individuals across Ghana receive timely and effective reproductive health services throughout their lives.
Mr. Okyere appealed to stakeholders to continue supporting government efforts to strengthen policy implementation and expand access to SRHR education and services.
