Ghana Highlights Efforts to Tackle School Dropout, Teenage Pregnancy at UNESCO Ministerial Dialogue

Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing challenges affecting the education and well-being of young people across Africa, including HIV, early and unintended pregnancy, and gender-based violence.

Representing Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu at a UNESCO ministerial dialogue in Livingstone, Deputy Education Minister Clement Abas Apaak outlined measures being implemented by the government to keep children, particularly girls, in school and improve educational outcomes.

The dialogue brought together ministers and government representatives from across Africa to discuss the growing impact of HIV, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence on children and adolescents. Participants examined strategies to strengthen education systems and create safer learning environments for young people.

During the discussions, Dr. Apaak highlighted key interventions being implemented in Ghana, including the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme, the School Feeding Programme and increased collaboration with traditional leaders such as chiefs and queen mothers. According to him, these initiatives are helping to improve school attendance, reduce barriers to education and support vulnerable learners.

He noted that poverty remains one of the leading causes of teenage pregnancy and school dropout, stressing that government policies are increasingly focused on protecting at-risk children and ensuring that more young people remain in school.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a communiqué warning that Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a growing “triple threat” of HIV, early pregnancy and gender-based violence, which continues to affect millions of children and adolescents across the region.

Dr. Apaak reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening child protection measures, promoting safe and inclusive learning environments, and working closely with communities, parents, traditional authorities and development partners to empower young people and safeguard their future.