The Oti Regional Directorate of the Department of Gender, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), recently organized a one-day sensitization and empowerment workshop for commercial motorbike riders at Kpassa. The workshop brought together more than 80 Okada riders from various communities within the Nkwanta North District. The engagement aimed to enhance participants' understanding of gender norms, power relations, and positive masculinity.
Addressing the participants on behalf of the Nkwanta North District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Samuel Gyamena, District Coordinating Director, emphasized the importance of guidance and support for the youth to realize their potential. He encouraged the commercial motorbike riders to prioritize their personal development, sexual and reproductive health, and responsible lifestyles to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities.
Mr. Gyamena also cautioned the youth against using illicit substances, including cocaine, cannabis, heroin, and tramadol, saying substance abuse could negatively affect their health, productivity, and future prospects. He urged them to make responsible choices and seek appropriate assistance whenever they faced challenges that could affect their wellbeing.
Madam Hammond Esther, a Gender Officer, expressed concern about teenage pregnancy in Kpassa and adjoining communities. She encouraged young people to make informed decisions concerning their sexual and reproductive health. According to her, Ghana Health Service data indicated that about 712 teenage pregnancies were recorded in 2024, compared with 700 cases in 2025, while approximately 450 cases were recorded between January and August 2026 among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.
Madam Hammond urged the Okada riders to become positive role models and advocates for preventing teenage pregnancy, child abuse, and gender-based violence in their communities. She said their regular interaction with young people and other community members positioned them to discourage practices that exposed adolescents to abuse, exploitation, and inappropriate sexual relationships.
The workshop was part of efforts by the Department of Gender and its partners to strengthen community-level awareness and promote gender equality, adolescent protection, and access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. The engagement also sought to promote respectful relationships and discourage coercion, exploitation, and transactional sex.
The Oti Gender Directorate's initiative aims to empower commercial motorbike riders to support adolescents in seeking assistance from trusted health professionals and other appropriate service providers. The Directorate encourages young people to seek accurate information and professional guidance from qualified health personnel on appropriate contraceptive methods and to prioritize their health and wellbeing.
Key points
- The Oti Regional Directorate of the Department of Gender engaged over 80 commercial motorbike riders on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health rights, and adolescent protection.
- The workshop aimed to enhance participants' understanding of gender norms, power relations, and positive masculinity.
- The initiative promotes gender equality, adolescent protection, and access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.
