UNICEF Ghana, in partnership with the government, has engaged more than 200 young people between the ages of 10 and 19 on strategies that truly reflect their needs and aspirations.
Of the adolescents engaged, 80 per cent were girls.
Honest engagements
The engagements were in line with Ghana’s national priorities for adolescent girls’ well-being and aligned with the broader West and Central Africa regional agenda to promote a better future for girls.
Through honest and open conversations, the young participants gave valuable insights that would help shape inclusive and sustainable policies across sectors.
The young participants also shared powerful insights that would guide the design of inclusive and sustainable policies across multiple sectors.
The consultations were held in Wa in the Upper West, Kumasi in the Ashanti, and Tema in the Greater Accra regions.
The events provided safe spaces for adolescents to share their experiences and directly influence the policies and programmes that affect their lives.
National priorities
The initiative supports the national priorities for adolescent girls’ well-being and aligns with the broader West and Central Africa regional agenda to promote a brighter future for girls.
“When we listen to adolescent girls and boys, we gain an unfiltered understanding of their realities and aspirations,” said the UNICEF Ghana’s Adolescent and Gender Lead.
“These consultations are not just about listening, they are about action.
The voices of adolescents will help shape policies and programmes that invest in their potential, advance gender equality, and ensure a brighter future for all,” Irene Tumwebaze said.
Experiences
In one of the sessions, Faustina, 17, made a profound statement: “The men who support us often demand sex in return, which leads to pregnancies.
“As young girls, this is one of the greatest challenges we face. Some of us are willing to work, but there are very few opportunities available.
“If we had access to jobs, we would gladly take them so that we can move away from this harmful lifestyle,” she said.
It was one of the many pronouncements that enriched the engagement.
Future programming
The insights gathered from these dialogues would directly inform future programmes in health, education, child protection, climate resilience, digital inclusion, mental health and life skills.
Above all, the consultations highlighted the urgent need to place adolescent girls at the centre of decision-making, ensuring their voices, priorities, and leadership shape the policies that affect their lives.
As Ghana continues to advance adolescent development, these youth-led consultations mark a pivotal step toward building a future where every adolescent girl child is heard, empowered, and supported to thrive.
UNICEF and its partners remain committed to translating these voices into action, ensuring policies and programmes reflect the lived realities of adolescent girls across the country.
Source: Daily Graphic