The Obaasima Foundation has called on young women to take charge of their reproductive health and avoid the dangers associated with unsafe abortions, which continue to threaten the wellbeing and future of many girls across the country.
This advocacy was renewed during the launch of the foundation’s “Choose Life Initiative” in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service at the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Navrongo on Friday, December 12.
The initiative aims to empower young women with accurate information and support for healthier reproductive choices.
Executive Director of the Foundation, Lawyer Kwame Owusu Danso, speaking with Mike FM, explained the motivation behind the programme and the decision to hold the launch in Navrongo.
“Across the country, many young females continue to experience unsafe abortions. As a foundation that has operated for close to seven years, we found it necessary to initiate honest conversations about this growing concern. The future of this country lies with the youth, and protecting that future requires addressing these issues openly”
“We chose Navrongo because of the unique experiences we’ve encountered here. The Navro-Pio recently shared a story of a young girl who sought refuge in his home to avoid being married off to an older man. Situations like these informed our decision.”
He added that the foundation’s next steps will include direct community engagements to educate families on supporting young women and preventing unsafe practices.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Ayaga Bawah, a Professor of Demography and Population Health at the University of Ghana, shared research findings that underscore the urgency of addressing unsafe abortions among adolescents.
“Research, including studies I have conducted in both northern and southern Ghana, shows that many adolescents face unintended pregnancies and sometimes resort to unsafe methods due to stigma. Limited access to contraception, inadequate reproductive health education, and social pressures all contribute to this challenge.”
He urged young women to prioritize their education, describing it as a powerful tool for safeguarding their future and breaking cycles of poverty.
The Upper East Regional Acting Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Zakariah Adam, commended the Obaasima Foundation for its intervention.
“This couldn’t have come at a better time. The region has recorded worrying cases of unsafe abortions, including two maternal deaths this year linked to such practices. Increasing access to family planning services and improving reproductive health education is crucial.”
The programme brought together female students from Navrongo Senior High School, St. John’s Integrated Senior High School, OLL Senior High School, nursing trainees from the Navrongo Community Health Training School, and other young women from surrounding communities.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
