The Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), in collaboration with Citizens Watch Ghana and the Indigenous Women Empowerment Network, has successfully held the second edition of its Adolescents Radio Outreach Clinic and Community Forum in Sunyani, Bono Region.
The forum, supported by ECORYS UK and Fondation Botnar, was organised in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Education Service, Sunyani East and West Municipal Assemblies, St. James RC Basic School, and Service Radio 104.9 MHz.
Over 200 participants, including adolescents, parents, community leaders, local assembly officials, and partner organisationsโattended the event, which served as an interactive platform to openly discuss key adolescent issues such as teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and effective prevention strategies.
A panel of adolescent representatives led the discussion. These included Ms. Rahima Umar Ishaq, Majority Leader of the Sunyani Adolescents Parliament, alongside St. James RC Basic School students Ms. Yvonne Adwoa Oppong and Ms. Makafui Esi Eyram Adagbe. Moderators for the session were Ms. Betina Owusu, a member of the Ghana Health Service Youth Advisory Committee, and Master Justice Wiawdo of the Sunyani Adolescents Parliament.
Expert insights were provided by Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla, Technical Coordinator for the Ghana AIDS Commission in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions; Mrs. Felicia Konadu, Bono Regional Health Promotion Officer and Mrs. Josephine Yalley, Bono Regional Girlsโ Education Officer.
The programme was broadcast live on Service Radio 104.9 MHz and streamed via Facebook @Global Media Foundation.
In his keynote address, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, CEO of GLOMEF, highlighted that the event is part of the Resilient City for Adolescents (RCA) Project, under the global Healthy Cities for Adolescents Initiative. This initiative, funded by Fondation Botnar through ECORYS UK, aims to promote adolescent health, wellbeing, and civic participation in urban development.
Mr. Ahenu urged young people to stay focused on their education and make responsible choices, warning that teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS can jeopardise their future.
Mrs. Felicia Konadu, in her remarks, expressed concern over the alarming rates of teenage pregnancy and STDs in the region. She pointed to irresponsible parenting, peer pressure, and social media influence as key drivers.
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla labelled STDs a significant public health threat, particularly among adolescents. He disclosed that over 334,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Ghanaโ11% of whom are young people. In 2024 alone, the Sunyani Municipality recorded 3,335 HIV/AIDS cases. โThe same factors that lead to teenage pregnancy often lead to HIV infection. Total abstinence remains the most effective prevention method for youth,โ he stressed.
Closing the forum, Mr. Simon Asore, Executive Director of Citizens Watch Ghana, and Mr. Edward Ayabila, Programmes Manager at GLOMEF, both expressed appreciation to Fondation Botnar and ECORYS UK for their continued support of adolescent-focused initiatives aimed at building resilient cities across the globe.
