In a bold and innovative move to tackle critical issues surrounding safe sex practices and well-being among young people in Ghana, the UNFPA Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellows in partnership with Total Family Health Organization (TFHO) and Marie Stopes Ghana (MSG), held a two-day campaign themed “Promoting Safe Sex Practices Among Tertiary Students” in Accra from 13-14 February, 2024. 

According to the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), 80% of females between the ages of 15 and 24 had their most recent sex without condoms. Meanwhile 76% of men aged 15 to 49, according to the GDHS report are unaware of their HIV Status. These alarming statistics are evidence of the existing gaps in safe sex practices, which eventually contributes to the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases especially HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancies. The YoLe Fellows leveraged the occasion to empower young adults with essential knowledge, skills and resources to promote responsible sexual behaviour. The campaign was aimed at raising awareness and fostering a culture of informed decision-making and proactive health management among the youth.

 Panelists speaking during the virtual dialogue titled “Wrappers On or Off Convo” at the Orange Loft.

On the first day of the campaign, (13th February 2024), the YoLe Fellows engaged volunteers in a comprehensive training on safe and healthy practices. The training covered crucial topics, including the correct methods of using condoms during sexual intercourse. It was followed with a virtual dialogue titled “Wrappers On or Off Convo”. The dialogue served as a platform to actively engage young people in discussions about safe and healthy sexual practices. The primary aim was to encourage the use of condoms as a means of promoting safe sex among the youth. Present on the panel were Miss Salamatu Abdulai, TFHO (Ebony Condoms), Mrs. Sarfoa Boahene, Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2021 and past YoLe Fellow, and Miss Hiba, a student from the University of Ghana. “When it is not on, it is not in” Ms Hiba said, encouraging young people to prioritise the use of condoms when having sex.

The campaign continued the following day with a school outreach held at Wisconsin International University and the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) also known as University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) under the theme: “Promoting Safe Sex Practices Among Tertiary Students in Accra-Ghana”. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of 360 students with 145  students representing UniMAC-IJ and 210 students representing Wisconsin International University.

A UNFPA YoLe Fellow, Ms. Adelle Myra Nkansah making a presentation during the engagement with students at UNIMAC-IJ.

In a presentation by Ms. Adelle Myra Nkansah at UniMAC, she emphasised the numerous challenges risky sexual behaviours pose to the overall well being of young people including: the contraction of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unplanned and unwanted pregnancies, as well as, compromising their emotional well being. ‘Safe sexual practices need to be emphasised, as it is useful to counter the effects of these risky sexual behaviours and ensure young people are in better control of their sexual and reproductive health.” she said.

As the ‘Safe and Healthy Sex Practices’ Campaign gains momentum, the YoLe Fellowship remains committed to its mission of empowering Ghanaian youth with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices about their sexual health and life. With initiatives like these, the Fellowship continues to pave the way for a safer and healthier future for young people and adolescents.

A student of UNIMAC-IJ posing  question to the resource person(s) during the engagement.