Youth cautioned against abuse of emergency contraceptives
The youth have been cautioned against the abuse of emergency contraceptives as it could have dire health implications on their reproductive health.
They have, however, been advised that with the right and appropriate reproductive health information, contraceptives are effective ways to reduce unplanned pregnancies.
A Public Health Nurse at the Ajumako-Enyan Essiam Health Directorate, Godsway Fia, made this known at a workshop at Ajumako Assasan for 60 artisan apprentices from the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District.
Addressing the workshop, Mr Fia said there was an urgent need to sensitise adolescents and young adults to abusing emergency contraceptives.
He said while it was important to take precautionary measures to prevent unplanned pregnancies, abusing some contraceptives could have dire health implications on their reproductive health, adding that the use of contraceptives must be with advice from health officials.
The workshop, which was on safe reproductive health and wellbeing, was to enhance the knowledge of the artisans on reproductive health and help them make informed sexual and life choices.
It was a follow up engagement organised by the Central Regional National Youth Authority (NYA) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and in collaboration with the Central Regional Coordinating Council.
Peer educator
A Peer Educator on Reproductive Health, Mary Afful, for her part, attributed early pregnancy to hardship and unemployment rates in the Ajumako Eyan Asassan District.
She explained that unemployment had compelled some of the girls to engage in sexual activities for money to survive.
She said some teenagers who were idle also ended up abusing drugs and ultimately they got involved in unprotected sex, leading to early pregnancies.
A resource person with the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Gloria Nkansah, cautioned young people against resorting to untrained people who use dangerous and invasive methods for abortions.
A Detective with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Cape Coast, Philipina Amoah, advised that any sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16, with or without the consent was defilement punishable under the law.
The Central Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Anita Ansah Saguah, advised the participants to lead exemplary lives and ensure good moral discipline in their communities.