Riders Turn Advocates: Education Program Aims to Curb Sexual Violence and Teen Pregnancy in Central Region

CAPE COAST: In the Central Region, a targeted educational campaign is transforming motorcycle (okada) and tricycle (pragya) riders from contributors to advocates in the fight against teenage pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and child marriage. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Youth Authority (NYA) and supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is engaging these men in dialogue and training to understand the legal and social implications of their actions, driving substantial change within their communities.According to Ghana News Agency, the program has been pivotal in altering the behaviors and mindsets of participants, including individuals like Mr. Kojo Manu, a 25-year-old okada rider. Mr. Manu, who previously engaged in unprotected sex with underage girls, now advocates against this practice, highlighting its legal repercussions. Similarly, Mr. Kwesi Adjei, another beneficiary, has shifted his understanding of the laws surrounding rape and defilement, pledging to report child marriage cases and limit his sexual partners to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS.The initiative's significance is underscored by statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), which states that approximately 21 million girls aged 15-19 in developing regions become pregnant each year, with 12 million giving birth. Findings from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) further reveal that 10.9 percent of adolescents aged 15 to 19 have given birth, with the prevalence rising significantly among 19-year-olds. These figures emphasize the urgent need for preventive strategies, such as those being implemented in the Central Region, to address the cycle of teenage pregnancy and its associated risks.The program, which has also reached areas such as Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem and Cape Coast, is not only educating but empowering riders to become community ambassadors against harmful practices. The Central Regional Director of the NYA, Mrs. Anita Nana Seguah Ansah, stressed the importance of involving men and boys in the solution, noting that understanding these issues better enables them to contribute effectively.The initiative highlights the critical role of comprehensive education and community engagement in reducing SGBV and teenage pregnancy rates. As the program expands, its impact is anticipated to grow, offering a model for similar efforts nationwide. The collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities is essential in sustaining these efforts and ensuring the protection and empowerment of young girls.