Navrongo: The implementation of the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project in certain districts of the Upper East Region is showing progress in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
According to Ghana News Agency, a midterm evaluation of the five-year project (2021-2026) in beneficiary districts revealed increased adolescents’ access to accurate information regarding their sexuality, assisting them in making informed decisions to avoid risky behavior. These findings were presented during a dissemination event in Navrongo, conducted by Professor Duah Dwomoh from D and D Statistical Consulting Services Limited, the Consultant for the research.
The project, led by a consortium including Right To Play, WaterAid Ghana, Forum for African Women Educationalists Ghana (FAWE-Ghana), and FHI 360, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, is being implemented in Builsa North and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities, Kassena-Nankana West, and Bongo districts. It targets in- and out-of-school adolescents, aiming to empower youth through Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education, gender equality initiatives, and access to youth-friendly services.
The findings highlighted an increase in active participation of adolescent girls and young women in SRHR advocacy and social action initiatives, indicating growing confidence and leadership among young women. ‘I know my rights and can speak up now,’ expressed one adolescent girl in a focus group discussion, illustrating the project’s impact on self-confidence and empowerment, as noted by Professor Dwomoh.
The project integrates life skills training, such as menstrual pad-making, and gender-sensitive programming, reducing stigma and fostering supportive environments in schools and health facilities. The findings also showed a positive trend in community participation, with more caregivers and stakeholders attending SRHR-focused forums, indicating growing acceptance around adolescent reproductive health topics, traditionally taboo in many parts of Ghana.
Additionally, adolescents reported improved communication with parents on SRHR issues and better negotiation skills in relationships, contributing to their autonomy and safety. The training of community health workers, teachers, and facility staff, along with the establishment of peer-led youth clubs and advocacy networks, are proving effective in sustaining SRHR engagement beyond the project’s direct intervention.
The findings recommend continued investment, community collaboration, youth empowerment, and inclusive campaigns to reduce stigma and increase awareness, enhancing outcomes and ensuring lasting change. Mr. Evans Sinkari, Program Director of Right To Play, noted that the findings indicated progress, and stakeholder inputs and recommendations would be considered to strengthen the project for lasting change.
Ms. Rita Abamah, Bongo District Girl Child Officer, emphasized the need for increased efforts to educate adolescents on contraceptive use, particularly condoms, to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.