Accra: The Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), in collaboration with the Department of Gender and support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the CPs programme, has initiated a capacity-building programme aimed at empowering Community Parent Network Advocacy Support Groups (CoPNAGs). The goal is to promote responsible parenting and address issues of adolescent pregnancy, child marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to tackle adolescent health and child protection challenges across the Oti Region. Mrs. Esther Hammond, Acting Oti Regional Director of the Department of Gender, highlighted that data from the Ghana Health Service indicated 2,995 cases of adolescent pregnancy in 2024, accounting for 11.3 percent of all pregnancies reported during that period. Despite various interventions, adolescent pregnancy remains a significant concern.
Mrs. Hammond further revealed that in 2025, the region's adolescent pregnancy rate was recorded at 10.25 percent, with Nkwanta South showing the highest prevalence at 12.4 percent, followed by Krachi East at 10.6 percent and Nkwanta North at 10.1 percent. Recognizing the essential role of parents and caregivers in guiding and protecting adolescents, the programme is training 30 parents from six communities.
Participants are being equipped with knowledge and practical skills in parental responsibility, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR), child marriage prevention, gender equality promotion, and the prevention and response to SGBV. A key component of the programme is the establishment and strengthening of Community Parent Network Advocacy Support Groups within participating communities.
These groups will serve as community-based advocacy structures to promote positive parenting, strengthen parent-child communication, support adolescent development, and lead local efforts to address adolescent pregnancy, child marriage, and SGBV. The training includes presentations, group discussions, experience-sharing sessions, and practical exercises to enhance participants' understanding of adolescent development, child protection issues, adolescent rights, and effective community advocacy strategies.
Mrs. Hammond expressed optimism that empowering parents with the necessary knowledge and skills would significantly improve child welfare outcomes and create safer environments for adolescents. Participants are expected to develop community action plans and become advocates for the protection, empowerment, and holistic development of young people.
Mr. Innocent Komla Agbolosu, Oti Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, also participated in the programme, guiding participants through parenting styles and positive discipline approaches aimed at curbing SGBV, child marriage, and adolescent pregnancy. He emphasized the importance of adopting positive parenting and discipline methods to prevent abuse and harmful social practices.
Mr. Agbolosu highlighted the crucial role of parents in shaping their children's attitudes and behaviours, describing effective parenting as a strong safeguard against violence and child protection violations. He explained the effects of various parenting styles on children's development and stressed the need for discipline to be combined with care, guidance, and open communication.
He also encouraged parents to embrace positive discipline approaches that foster mutual respect, trust, understanding, and accountability while protecting children's dignity and rights. Regular communication with adolescents, understanding their challenges, and providing guidance on sexual and reproductive health, education, and personal development were also emphasized.
The Regional Director urged parents to challenge harmful cultural norms and practices contributing to child marriage and gender-based violence, asserting that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and realize their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.