Plan International Ghana has officially launched the "Rooting for Change" project, an ambitious initiative designed to combat adolescent pregnancies in the Suhum Municipality in the Eastern region.

With funding from Tony's Chocolonely, a leading Dutch cocoa company, the project targets Aponoapono and Obretema, two cocoa-producing communities, over the next two years. The initiative holds the promise of expansion to other cocoa-growing areas in the future.

A Response to Persistent Challenges

Despite strides made by Tony's Open Chain to promote sustainable livelihoods for cocoa farmers, poverty, gender inequalities, and limited access to essential services remain significant barriers.

These challenges disproportionately affect girls and young women, with unintended adolescent pregnancies emerging as a critical concern.

The "Rooting for Change" project aims to empower at least 800 adolescents, aged 10 to 19, by September 2026. With a focus on ensuring that at least 60% of the beneficiaries are female, the project seeks to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services (SRHR) in a discrimination-free environment.

Project Goals and Objectives

The initiative focuses on enabling young people to develop positive attitudes toward SRHR, including awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices. It also seeks to provide age-appropriate, youth-friendly SRHR services while fostering an enabling environment where girls and young women can exercise their rights with dignity and autonomy.

Strategic partners for the project include the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, Department of Social Welfare, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, Suhum Municipal Assembly, and other civic bodies.

Key Voices at the Launch

Speaking at the launch, Eric Ayaba, Plan International Ghana's Head of Programmes and Influencing Manager, reiterated the organization’s dedication to empowering vulnerable children, particularly girls. "Our theory of change ensures girls can learn, lead, and decide on issues that matter to them, free from violence and fear," he stated.

Ama Mugabe, Country Manager for Tony's Chocolonely, emphasized the importance of community involvement in achieving sustainable change. "Child protection is one of our top priorities, and we believe in working with communities as a model to scale the project," she said.

Zuobog Philip Neri, Policy Officer for Cocoa at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, highlighted the link between empowering girls and the future of cocoa farming. “The future of cocoa is a woman. Investing in girls ensures an inclusive and thriving cocoa sector," he remarked.

Local Challenges and Support

Adolescent pregnancies remain a pressing issue in Suhum Municipality. In 2023, of the 3,358 antenatal care registrants, 305 were adolescents, with 180 cases recorded in the first half of 2024. Isaac Mensah, the Municipal Health Information Officer, called for urgent action to address the health risks associated with adolescent pregnancies, pledging support for the project.

Girls’ Education Coordinator, Patricia Asantewaa Osei, cited irresponsible parenting as a key driver of adolescent pregnancies, stressing the need for interventions that protect and empower girls.

Representing the Suhum Municipal Assembly, Lillian Adjetey Adjei-Rufai expressed gratitude for the initiative, pledging the Assembly’s full support to ensure its success and possible scale-up across other vulnerable communities.

A Transformative Vision

With its strong backing from local stakeholders, “Rooting for Change” promises to be a game-changer in addressing adolescent pregnancies in Ghana’s cocoa-producing regions. By empowering girls and providing access to vital health services, the project aims to build a future where young women can thrive, free from violence and inequality.

This partnership between Plan International Ghana, Tony's Chocolonely, and other stakeholders highlights a united commitment to transforming the lives of adolescents and creating sustainable change in cocoa-growing communities.