The Deputy Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Emmily Naphambo, has urged young people in Ghana to protect their future by making informed choices. During a field visit to the Youth Engagement Centre (YEC) at Adidome in the Central Tongu District, Dr Naphambo emphasized the importance of education and support available to young people. The visit was part of a UNICEF and UNFPA tour of the Adolescent Girls Programme (AGP) to assess its implementation, progress, and impact in the Volta Region.
The AGP is a joint initiative by UNICEF and UNFPA, with strategic guidance from the Steering Committee to ensure the programme remains focused on its objectives. Dr Naphambo expressed appreciation to Global Affairs Canada for supporting the programme from 2026 to 2030, citing the potential of Ghana's young population. She encouraged adolescent girls to stay in school and avoid early pregnancy, while urging boys to concentrate on their education and stay away from drugs.
The Youth Engagement Centre had been put back into use after remaining in a dilapidated state and unused for about three to four years. The Central Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Addison Dodzi Mornyuie, said the centre was now operational, open from Monday to Friday, and offered laptops and free internet services to facilitate learning. Professionals were also invited to educate young people on issues relevant to their development.
The centre has seen an increasing number of young people visiting, prompting plans to expand the facility to accommodate more beneficiaries. Mr Mornyuie said discussions were underway with the District Education Directorate to introduce programmes that would enable schoolchildren to use the centre for learning, with facilitators available to support them. This initiative aims to provide young people with the resources and support they need to succeed.
The Volta Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr Yao Semoade, expressed appreciation to the AGP Steering Committee for its support and visit to the centre. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among implementing partners and local stakeholders to strengthen youth engagement and ensure the centre served its intended purpose.
Dr Naphambo encouraged the beneficiaries to look forward to 2030 as a period to reflect on their progress and achievements. She urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities and support available to them, emphasizing that they had the support of their parents, traditional leaders, and health professionals.
The AGP Steering Committee's visit to the Youth Engagement Centre highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to support Ghana's young population. With the programme's focus on education and support, young people are empowered to build a better future for themselves and the country. Key stakeholders are working together to ensure the programme's success and make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
Key points
- Dr Emmily Naphambo urges young people to protect their future by staying in school and avoiding early pregnancy and substance abuse.
- The Youth Engagement Centre offers laptops and free internet services to facilitate learning and support young people's development.
- The AGP Steering Committee's visit highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to support Ghana's young population.
