Bolgatanga: The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Ghana Chapter, has raised concerns over the growing misuse of emergency contraceptives by adolescents in parts of the Upper East Region. The organization warns that this trend could erode the progress made in reducing teenage pregnancies and increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Elikem Katsekpor, Project Officer for the SHARE Project at FAWE-Ghana, highlighted the issue during a three-day workshop on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) in Bolgatanga. He emphasized that while efforts to prevent teenage pregnancies have shown positive results in districts such as Bongo and Kassena Nankana West, as well as the Kassena Nankana and Builsa North Municipalities, there is a troubling trend of adolescents misusing emergency contraceptives as a regular preventive measure.
Mr. Katsekpor pointed out that boys are increasingly purchasing these contraceptives and administering them to their partners after intimate encounters. He stressed that this medication is intended for emergency use only and its consistent misuse could lead to serious health consequences.
He further noted that current educational efforts in some communities are disproportionately focused on pregnancy prevention, neglecting the critical aspect of STI prevention. Mr. Katsekpor warned that without comprehensive education, there is a risk of reducing teenage pregnancies only to face a surge in STI rates over the next decade.
The workshop, supported by partners such as Right To Play, WaterAid, FHI 360, and Global Affairs of Canada, sought to enhance the capacity of media practitioners to report effectively on ASRHR and gender-related issues. This initiative is part of the SHARE Project, which is being implemented in four districts, including Bongo, Kassena Nankana Municipal, Kassena Nankana West, and Builsa North district.
In addition to contraceptive misuse, Mr. Katsekpor also identified other challenges affecting sexual and reproductive health in the region, such as illegal mining (galamsey) and the misuse of drugs like Tramadol. Nonetheless, he affirmed FAWE's commitment to collaborating with the media to bolster advocacy and maintain progress in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people.
Mr. David Kwesi Ghartey Tagoe, a lead facilitator for the training, highlighted the pivotal role of the media in influencing public perceptions on ASRHR issues. He urged the media to consistently cover adolescent health and gender issues to prompt action from responsible authorities.
