Stakeholder Engagement on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Held

As part of efforts to ensure that every young person in Ghana grows up in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment where they can reach their full potential, the National Youth Authority (NYA) held a stakeholder engagement on the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Programme at the Sunlodge Hotel in Accra.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, stated that the Authority recognizes that youth development extends beyond education, employment, and entrepreneurship. According to him, it also encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of young people, making the programme both timely and necessary.

He noted that the platform created through the policy dialogue would not only improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes but also nurture a generation of informed, confident, and responsible young leaders who understand both their rights and responsibilities.

Alhaji Inusah Mahama further encouraged stakeholders to engage openly, share ideas boldly, and strengthen partnerships that will drive the successful implementation of the programme.

“Let us work together to build stronger systems, advance gender equality, safeguard adolescent rights, and deliver lasting impact for the young people we serve,” he said.

He concluded by expressing appreciation to UNICEF Ghana and other development partners for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Ghana's young people.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of the Gender Desk at the National Youth Authority, Naomi Brago, explained that the primary objective of the programme is to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people by strengthening their knowledge, skills, and agency, while promoting youth-informed evidence to support effective policy and programme implementation.

In addition, the Programme Officer in charge of Programming at UNICEF Ghana, Grace Akua Gyan, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to establish a shared understanding of the interventions to be implemented, identify ongoing interventions being undertaken by other stakeholders to promote collaboration and avoid duplication of efforts, and obtain expert recommendations on the most effective engagement approaches to achieve the desired results and outcomes.

The programme concluded with presentations and discussions by stakeholders, who shared recommendations and strategies aimed at improving the well-being and overall development of adolescents in Ghana.