Accra: The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (UERCC), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), recently conducted a significant coordination and alignment meeting with stakeholders at both regional and district levels. This initiative aims to bolster the execution of humanitarian efforts and child marriage interventions within the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting convened key institutions such as the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, and various civil society organisations. The primary objective was to synchronize efforts, define roles, and outline priorities as part of the 2026 work plan.
Ms. Yvonne Wonchua, the UNFPA Regional Focal Person, addressed the stakeholders, clarifying that the region's programming focus is transitioning from core reproductive health services to a humanitarian response due to evolving vulnerabilities. She highlighted that despite progress in maternal health, adolescent reproductive health, and family planning, the region's reclassification under UNFPA's humanitarian programme was driven by emerging challenges, such as the influx of asylum seekers and frequent conflicts.
Ms. Wonchua further explained that the humanitarian focus is consistent with UNFPA's mandate to address sexual and reproductive health needs and gender-based violence in emergency settings, especially among vulnerable groups like women, girls, and displaced persons. She stressed the importance of the collaboration with UERCC and other partners, including NADMO, to effectively tackle the complex humanitarian landscape, which is susceptible to floods, conflicts, and cross-border security threats.
Reflecting on the achievements, she warned that sustaining progress in reproductive health outcomes necessitates ongoing investment and coordination. 'Some of the gains are attitudinal, others depend on resources and collaboration. Without sustained effort, we risk reversing the progress made,' she cautioned.
Mr. A. Alhassan Ibrahim, the Regional Development Planning Officer, noted that the initiative aligns with Ghana's National Development Policy Framework, especially within social development and governance pillars. He pointed out the region's ongoing challenges, including poverty, youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and harmful cultural practices like child marriage.
Madam Rita Mbamah, the Upper East Regional Gender Desk Officer of the Ghana Education Service, advocated for stronger school and community engagement on disaster preparedness and child protection. She emphasized that educating children plays a crucial role in raising family awareness and called for increased action against child marriage, affirming that schools are prepared to enrol migrant and refugee children.
The Upper East Region grapples with persistent vulnerabilities, such as recurrent flooding from the Bagre Dam's spillage in Burkina Faso, ethnic and chieftaincy conflicts, food insecurity, and exposure to violent extremism along border communities. The 2026 work plan under the UNFPA-UERCC partnership includes community dialogue sessions involving men and boys to address gender-based violence and harmful practices, quarterly coordination meetings among essential service providers, and follow-up engagements with traditional authorities to track progress in ending child marriage.
Moreover, the plan encompasses commemorating the 16 Days of Activism campaign and launching community sensitisation programmes to promote gender equality and enhance prevention and response mechanisms. The meeting aims to improve coordination among stakeholders, establish a shared understanding of responsibilities, and enhance the delivery of humanitarian and child protection interventions across the region.