News
Nadowli Kaleo teens educated on sexual, gender-based violence
A group picture of adolescents and team from UNFPA
Information sharing and education of adolescents on Sexual and Reproduction Health (SRH) at Duong, a community in the Nadowli Kaleo District of the Upper West Region has become effective due to the formation of adolescent health clubs in the area and the provision of a centre for discourse.
Hitherto, the community used to record high incidence of teenage pregnancies, early marriage or cohabitation and school dropout cases, making the community members and leaders worried as they sought for permanent ways to curb the situation.
But with the support of the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA) on its 8th Country Project, the Regional Focal Person for Reproductive Health who doubles as queen mother for the area, Pognaa Rosemary Bangzie, mobilised the young people into health clubs to educate them on SRH, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), among others.
The youth were constituted into two in-school and two out-of-school health clubs with each having membership of not less than 50 persons between the ages of 11 and 25 years.
Pognaa Bangzie during a monitoring visit by the UNFPA team to Duong told the Spectator that the groups met once every month to discuss issues that bothered on reproductive health and preventing unwanted pregnancies through abstinence or the use of safe family planning methods.
She said the adolescent health corner was included in the health facility she acquired for the community to accommodate health staff because the youth needed privacy to be able to consult on SRH and get the needed attention.
“This facility was made possible through benevolent persons and the USAID/Office of Transitions Initiative (USAID/ OTI) but we will need more support to furnish the place for use by the staff of the health centre and the youth as well”, she appealed.
A member of the club, 17 years old Ignatius Wienaah stated that with the provision of a permanent adolescent centre for SRH issues, adolescents in the community were better placed to protect their adolescence and pursue their heart felt goals.
A 16-year-old craftsman apprentice, Dorcas Tooresong said through the adolescent health clubs and discussions, she has learnt to abstain from pre-marital sex and also maintain good menstrual hygiene.
She explained that the girls were taken through the use of the reusable sanitary pads and how to keep themselves tidy.
A health worker, Patience Adzaho who has been working with the adolescents at the health corners expressed excitement about the provision of the adolescent corner through the initiative of the queen mother and said it had boost services to adolescents and seen more adolescents patronising the facility.
“They no longer have to mix up with the older people and make them awkward coming to us to discuss their reproductive health needs; this structure provides them with the needed privacy for whatever discussion they want to engage on,” she said.
The National Programme Officer for Gender at the UNFPA, Mr Bawa Faisal commended the community for their dedication to the welfare of young people.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, Wa
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed sorrow over the death of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in a road accident in the Upper West Region.
The deceased are Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, both students at Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has received with profound sorrow the tragic news of the untimely demise of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, students of Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Upper West Region,” a statement issued by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, said.
It said preliminary reports indicated that the students died in a road traffic accident on Sunday, May 3, while travelling to Wa ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We are deeply saddened that these young lives, full of promise and potential, have been cut short under such distressing circumstances.
“Management and staff of GES, and the entire education community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school, their classmates, and all who have been affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement said Management of the GES would continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ascertain full details of the incident and consider measures to prevent similar occurrences. –GNA
