Tegbi, (Anloga District V/R)
More than fifty 50 adolescents in the Tegbi community in the Anloga District of the Volta Region have received education and empowerment on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) as part of efforts to improve young people’s access to accurate health information and adolescent-friendly health services.
The engagement, held at the Tegbi Health Centre, formed part of an adolescent empowerment initiative dubbed “Youth Open Day, the Clinic is Yours”, which seeks to bridge the gap between teenagers and healthcare providers by creating a safe and supportive environment for young people to discuss critical SRHR issues.
The initiative is also aimed at reducing stigma associated with accessing sexual and reproductive health services while making such services more welcoming, confidential and accessible to adolescents.
The programme, held on Thursday, brought together boys and girls from nearby basic schools, including pupils from Tegbi Kpota E.P. School, who interacted with health professionals, toured sections of the health facility and participated in health education sessions.
Speaking to the veritasnewsgh.com during the programme, Mr Christopher Makam, Volta Regional Focal Person for the project, said challenges relating to sexual and reproductive health remain major concerns affecting adolescents, largely due to limited access to accurate information and difficulties in navigating available health services.
He explained that when young people lack the confidence to seek guidance and support on SRHR-related issues, it often exposes them to challenges that can negatively affect their wellbeing, education and future development.
Mr Makam said the initiative was designed to equip adolescents with the knowledge, confidence and skills required to make informed decisions and seek appropriate support whenever necessary.
“The inability to access and navigate sexual and reproductive health issues is a major contributing factor to some of the challenges young people face. This programme seeks to empower them to be bold enough to seek education and support on issues affecting them,” he said.
As part of the programme, the adolescents underwent screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), received health education from healthcare professionals and interacted directly with health workers to better understand the services available at the facility.
A health practitioner, Madam Faustina Offei, who led the sensitisation session, educated the participants on managing SRHR-related concerns, making informed choices and taking responsibility for their health.
Madam Jemimah Misornu, Anloga District Health Director, who participated in the programme, encouraged the adolescents to be assertive in making decisions concerning their sexual and reproductive health. She urged them to seek accurate information, express their concerns confidently and make responsible choices that protect their health and future.
“As young people, you must have the ability to express your thoughts, feelings, needs and boundaries clearly, honestly and respectfully, without being passive or aggressive,” she advised.
Some of the adolescents who spoke to the GNA expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying it had helped correct several misconceptions surrounding menstruation, pregnancy and other SRHR issues.
They said the engagement had increased their confidence in approaching health professionals for guidance and pledged to periodically visit the health facility for education, counselling and screening services.
The “Youth Open Day, the Clinic is Yours” initiative forms part of a broader adolescent empowerment project being implemented by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) with funding support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ghana Education Service (GES).
The project seeks to strengthen adolescent access to SRHR information and services while promoting stronger partnerships between young people, schools and health facilities. Through community outreach programmes, the initiative aims to break down barriers, reduce stigma and ensure that SRHR services remain accessible, confidential and youth-friendly.
