Ghana has launched the Education Plus (EdPlus) initiative, a multi-sectoral programme designed to keep adolescent girls in school, advance gender equality, and reduce HIV infections.

The Ministry of Education is implementing the programme in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and UN agencies, including UNESCO, UNAIDS, UNFPA, and UN Women.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative at the La Palm Royal Hotel on Wednesday, December 10, United Nations Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury said EdPlus is targeting factors that cause girls to drop out of school, stressing that young people learn better and enjoy improved health outcomes when they receive the right curriculum in safe environments.

“When young people complete their education, they are more likely to live in safe environments and protect themselves from negative influences,” he said, adding that supportive school settings also contribute to healthier home lives and better preparation for adulthood.

Mr. Choudhury explained that Education Plus integrates education, health, protection, and policy support, including menstrual health facilities, sexual and reproductive health education, and HIV awareness, to ensure girls remain healthy and in school.

A youth advocate, Sherita Tetteh, called for a turning point in how Ghana supports girls, urging authorities to break misconceptions about HIV and remove barriers that limit girls’ ability to pursue their dreams.

“As a young lady growing up in Ghana, I have lived the hope that education brings. I have also felt the weight of the barriers that too many girls still face,” she said, calling for girls to be included in shaping policies that affect their education and well-being.

According to her, real change happens when education, protection, and empowerment come together, citing Free SHS, the re-entry policy for young mothers, and the free sanitary pad initiative as examples of progress.

“Let girls be part of the solution, not just the story,” she said. “When girls rise, families rise, communities rise, Ghana rises. Today, we declare not just ‘I dream,’ but ‘I can.’”