The National Youth Authority in the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly (LanMMA), has strongly urged for the exploration of the use, non-use, and discontinuation of modern contraception in urban areas.
At a stakeholder meeting in the Regional Institute for Population Studies(RIPS), University of Ghana, National Youth Authority La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly (LanMMA) representative Madam Juliana Gyamfi stated that the idea of exploring avenues for the usage of contraceptives should be discouraged but rather total abstinence should be the focal point.
Madam Gyamfi then suggested that there should be an extensive education that would go beyond the age bracket selected (i.e 15- 35years) by the Regional Institute for Population Studies(RIPS) for the research work to be undertaken.
“it is a very good initiative but I would also want to encourage them to extend the education below the age category they have stated. For we the national youth authority according to the youth policy the young people are categorized between 15 to 35 years. They know of it and are using it so I wouldn’t encourage the usage at that stage but more of abstinence because if that person is doing it behind the shadows you can imagine what they will do if given the chance. “ she said.
The National Youth Authority LanMMA representative further highlighted that adolescent reproductive health is a major concern to the National Youth Authority and seeks to address the development of diverse initiatives by the Authority to tackle it.
She added that it has now become mandatory for all district levels of the National Youth Authority in the country, to include adolescent reproductive health programs in their annual activities.
“Adolescent reproductive health is a key program on the list of the National Youth Authority because for those of us at the district it is mandatory that in every activity we run at the district adolescent reproductive health should be part of it. Formerly it was every quarter but now it is the whole year.” She mentioned.
However, the research project is expected to commence in October 2020 to explore the use, non-use, and discontinuation of modern contraception among urban youth in Accra, Ghana (UNDMCAG).
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