Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has reiterated his commitment to enhancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services through the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative. He emphasized the importance of robust institutional collaboration and community engagement to address adolescent pregnancy and related challenges.
During the Southern Zone Meeting of Regional Directors, Deputy Directors, and Adolescent Health Focal Persons from eight regions across the country, Dr. Akoriyea highlighted the necessity for practical and coordinated measures to improve health outcomes for adolescents. The meeting, centered on the Ghana Health Service Safety Net program, supported by UNICEF Ghana, brought together key stakeholders to assess progress and discuss strategies for implementing adolescent-friendly health services. The UNICEF-supported Safety Net Programme aims to safeguard vulnerable adolescents, enhance access to essential sexual and reproductive health information and services, and support their education during pregnancy.
Dr. Adomako Boateng, Regional Director of Health Service for Ashanti Region, welcomed participants and emphasized the significance of the Safety Net Programme in supporting adolescents, particularly those facing social, economic, and health-related vulnerabilities. He noted that the programme serves as a vital platform for empowering young people with the knowledge and support necessary to make informed health and future decisions.
Dr. Paul Dsane Aidoo, a representative from UNICEF Ghana, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and reiterated the organization’s commitment to expanding the Safety Net Programme to every district in the country. UNICEF emphasized that investing in adolescents is crucial for national development and pledged continued collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders to ensure no adolescent is left behind.
Dr. Akoriyea acknowledged that, despite Ghana’s development of several sound policies and programs aimed at improving adolescent health, implementation has often been hindered by fragmented institutional coordination. He stressed the need for closer collaboration among stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
He urged participants to consider adolescent health issues from a personal perspective to better understand the realities faced by young people and their families. He highlighted the importance of addressing the unique cultural and social contexts of each region to maximize the programme’s impact.
Furthermore, Dr. Akoriyea underscored the role of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative in creating safe spaces for adolescents to discuss sexual and reproductive health concerns openly and without fear of stigma or judgment. He emphasized the critical role of parents and families in adolescent health education, noting that many families struggle to have open conversations about sexual and reproductive health, resulting in information gaps that leave adolescents vulnerable to misinformation and risky behaviors.
Recognizing the growing influence of digital media and social platforms on young people, he called on health professionals and partners to develop engaging and age-appropriate content that resonates with adolescents.
Dr. Akoriyea assured participants of his full support for initiatives aimed at improving adolescent health and encouraged the development of practical and innovative solutions that can be implemented at scale. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with UNICEF Ghana and other partners, to strengthen adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, reduce adolescent pregnancies, and ensure young people across the country have access to the information, care, and support necessary to thrive.
