The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has launched the Healthy, Educated and Responsible Adolescents Living and Development (HERALD) Initiative Steering Group to improve coordination among policies and programmes aimed at supporting adolescent development in Ghana.
The initiative seeks to ensure that adolescents, both in and out of school, have access to essential information, life skills, services and support systems needed to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Isaac Attach Baah, Principal Programme Officer for Early Childhood Education, underscored the importance of coordinated interventions in addressing the diverse needs of adolescents during a critical stage of their growth and development.
He noted that stronger collaboration among stakeholders is necessary to provide young people with the knowledge, skills and support required to make informed decisions and lead productive lives.
The UNFPA Country Representative, Dr Wilfred Ochan, highlighted the need for a unified and comprehensive response to challenges confronting adolescents, including teenage pregnancy, sexual exploitation and abuse, mental health concerns, HIV/AIDS and child labour.
Dr Ochan also stressed the importance of promoting digital safety and responsible citizenship as young people increasingly engage with technology and online platforms.
Participants at the launch called for stronger parental involvement in adolescent development, the creation of safer school environments, sustainable funding mechanisms and greater youth participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
The HERALD Steering Group will bring together key stakeholders from government institutions, development partners and civil society organisations to strengthen collaboration and build on existing programmes and policies.
Its mandate includes developing coordinated implementation strategies, action plans and monitoring frameworks to ensure effective delivery and measurable outcomes.
Officials said the initiative represents a significant step towards harmonising efforts across sectors to address the evolving needs of adolescents and equip them with skills for personal growth and national development.
Through the partnership, the Ministry of Education and UNFPA reaffirmed their commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge, competencies and opportunities needed to make informed choices, contribute positively to society and support Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.