Hot!
Youth urged to seek help from trusted adults and health facilities on sexual health issues
The Advocacy and Youth Coordinator at Marie Stopes Ghana, Henrietta Kaakyire Ataah has urged young people not to keep their sexual and reproductive health concerns to themselves but to seek help from trusted adults, Ghana Health Service facilities or Marie Stopes clinics where youth-friendly providers are available.
At the premiere of the second season of Atoua at the Silverbird Cinema in Accra, she highlighted a rise in unsafe abortion among adolescents and explained that the series was created to respond to that problem.
Beyond unsafe abortion, she noted that the programme covers contraception, parent–child relationships, peer pressure and other reproductive health issues faced by young people.
She encouraged adolescents to make informed choices, noting that “the future depends on the decisions you make today.”
Director and producer of the film, Joseph Akwesi explained that Atoua means “if it happens to you” and also stands for “Adolescent Talk on Unsafe Abortion.”
According to him, the first season told the story of a young woman who died from an unsafe abortion to reflect the realities faced by many teenagers.
Initially focused on rural communities such as Chorkor, the project he stated now depicts urban life as well.
He noted that while organisations such as UNICEF and UNFPA were working to curb teenage pregnancy, stronger government support and nationwide campaigns were needed.
He added that Real Maker Studios was also planning a new project set in a Ghanaian boarding school to explore how education shapes young people.
Audience at the premiere after the launch pointed out that, the series taught them the value of calm and open parent–child relationships, citing the example of a father character in the series who dealt patiently with his daughter’s issues.
According to them, the storyline warned of the dangers of substance use at parties, which in the show led to an unintended pregnancy.
The viewers called for greater support for Ghanaian films to help the local movie industry grow.
They also urged the government to create avenues for social media content creators to monetise their work, especially on platforms like TikTok.
Atoua season two was produced by Real Maker Studios and commissioned by Marie Stopes Ghana with funding support from the Canadian Embassy.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could worsen the spread of misinformation across the world if not managed responsibly.
Speaking at the International Conference on Information Integrity in Paris, the President said AI tools such as deepfakes and synthetic media are increasingly being used to manipulate information and distort public perception.
He warned that the misuse of AI poses a serious threat to democracy, public health, and global stability, adding that protecting information integrity must be treated with the same urgency as national security and economic development.
“We are back to win the global war against misinformation and disinformation. Disinformation is not an abstract issue, it shapes elections, distorts public health responses, fuels conflict, and undermines the fight against climate change,” he pointed out.
President Mahama said false information continues to erode public confidence in science and government policy, even a decade after the signing of the Paris Climate Accord.
He noted that while AI presents huge opportunities for innovation and growth, it must be used responsibly to ensure that technological progress builds, rather than destroys, public trust.
“Our collective task must be to harness AI responsibly, promote transparency, and ensure that technology strengthens, not weakens, our societies,” he said.
The conference brought together world leaders, media experts, and technology innovators to discuss ways to protect information integrity and strengthen democracy in the digital age.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health in the metropolis.
The exercise, which starts at 6:00 a.m., forms part of the government’s vision to undertake monthly nationwide clean-up activities.
It is expected to bring together residents, traders, and transport operators to help make Kumasi cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
According to the Assembly, the clean-up will focus on key parts of the Central Business District and surrounding areas.
The operational zones include Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout, Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market, MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College, Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah, Boss FM through Central Market, Asafo Interchange, and Asafo Market stretch, as well as Roman Hill Down through Aboabo Station to Alabar.
During the exercise, all trading activities and vehicular movement within these areas will be suspended to ensure smooth operations.
The KMA urged all traders, commercial drivers, and residents to comply with the directive and actively take part in cleaning their surroundings.
The Assembly announced that if traders and shop owners participate fully, the exercise will end at 11:00 a.m.
However, those who fail to take part will have their shops and trading activities remain closed until 2:00 p.m.
By: Jacob Aggrey
