The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) in collaboration with OXFAM Ghana, has called on parents to take an active role in providing their children with reproductive health education as a crucial measure to prevent teenage pregnancies and child marriages.

Rejoice Kwawukumey, Project Coordinator for PPAG, emphasized the importance of open and honest conversations about sexual health within the family during a community outreach event in Kwaprow, a suburb of Cape Coast in the Central Region.

She highlighted that many young people lack accurate information about sexual health, leaving them vulnerable to making uninformed decisions that can lead to unintended consequences.

“Parents are the first educators of their children, and it’s vital they guide them on sexual health matters,” Kwawukumey stated. “By educating their children about the risks and responsibilities associated with sexual activity, parents can help them make informed choices and protect their futures.”

Kwawukumey also addressed the common discomfort many parents feel when discussing sex with their children, urging them to overcome these barriers for the sake of their children's well-being.

She noted that Reproductive Health Education should not only cover the mechanics of sex but also topics like consent, healthy relationships, and the consequences of unprotected sex.

Nana Kwesi Mensah II, the Chief of Kwaprow, supported the call, pointing out that parents who provide accurate and age-appropriate Reproductive Health Education contribute to a decrease in the community’s teenage pregnancy rates.

He urged parents to break the silence around these critical topics and engage their children in meaningful discussions.

Mrs. Heidi Egyir, wife of the Kwaprow Chief, supported the community by providing sanitary pads. This initiative according to her is a significant step towards promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting the well-being of girls and women in the area.

The PPAG's and OXFAM Ghana’s appeal underscores the importance of parental involvement in reproductive health education as a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and future of young people in Ghana.

The theme was ‘Eliminating Child Marriage’ in the community.