In Ghana, conversations about sex and contraceptives remain sensitive, particularly when they involve adolescents. Cultural expectations, religious beliefs and stigma often limit young people’s access to accurate, age-appropriate information on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Yet the consequences of silence are evident in persistent teenage pregnancies, unsafe sexual practices and low utilization of adolescent-friendly health services.
From 10 to 12 February 2026, health workers, youth representatives, reproductive health experts, adolescent health convened a three-day Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting. The meeting, organised by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office aimed not only to adapt existing Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) materials on safe sex practices and other key Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues, but also to rethink how adolescents and young people are engaged and communicated with.
“Adolescents in Ghana are navigating complex social pressures, misinformation and stigma when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. If the information we provide does not reflect their realities and respect their rights, it will not have impact. This adaptation ensures that our SBC materials are technically sound and truly adolescent-responsive”, she said.
