Ashanti Region Records 2nd Highest HIV/AIDS Cases Among Youth -Ghana AIDS Commission

The Ashanti Region has recorded the 2nd highest number of HIV/AIDS cases among young people in Ghana, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission.

This was revealed at a sensitization workshop organized by United Nations Population Fund Ghana, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from Global Affairs Canada.

The workshop brought together young people from Adansi Akrofuom, Adansi Asokwa, New Edubiase, Sekyere Central, Kwadaso, Asokore Mampong, Atwima Nwabiagya South, and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

The initiative aims to strengthen adolescent-friendly health services and improve sexual and reproductive health education and rights for young people to prevent teenage pregnancy.

Speaking at the event, Madam Rita, Ashanti Regional Director of the National Population Council, said the report is alarming because the youth represent the future workforce of the country.

She noted that if infections are not reduced, it could negatively affect the country’s manpower.

Also speaking, Madam Ama Nyanta Boateng,Ashanti Regional Director for the Gender Ministry, highlighted the dangers of parents preventing the law from dealing with men who rape young girls.

She urged parents to report such cases to the police and allow due process to take its course to serve as deterrence for others who are promoting such behaviors.