Oti: The Oti Regional Department of Gender, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, under the theme: ‘Girls’ vision for the future’. The event provided an opportunity for young girls to engage with high-achieving women across various professions and successful individuals from all sectors.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Amin Abdul-Muttalib, the Municipal Director of Health Services, addressed the adolescents, advising them to avoid early sexual activity due to the risks of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections. He also urged parents and community leaders to support health initiatives focused on adolescent sexual and reproductive well-being.
During the event, Mrs. Esther Hammond-Doe, the Regional Acting Director of the Department of Gender, highlighted the crucial role of parents and community members in safeguarding and nurturing adolescent
s, particularly girls. In her speech, she stressed the importance of protecting children from physical, emotional, and moral dangers, including child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and violence.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Doe emphasized the need for community authorities to create a safe and supportive environment for adolescents to reach their full potential. She advised girls to prioritize their education and personal development, urging them to make informed choices regarding their health and well-being.
Participants in the workshop on teenage pregnancy expressed their gratitude to the facilitators and organizers for highlighting the consequences of teenage pregnancy. The adolescent girls made a commitment to abstain from activities that could lead to teenage pregnancy, underlining their determination to protect their futures.
