Speaking through the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Vincent Antwi Agyei, at the maiden annual Adolescents’ Conference organised by the Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF) in Sunyani, he highlighted barriers such as limited access to quality education, inadequate reproductive health services, and persistent child labour.

“These challenges, if left unaddressed, undermine their potential and weaken the foundations of our collective progress,” he warned.

The conference, themed: ‘Empowering Adolescents – Securing Our Future Tomorrow,’ brought together over 100 participants from the Bono and Ashanti regions, including students from junior and senior high schools and members of the Sunyani Adolescent Parliament.

Discussions focused on mental health pressures, sexual and reproductive health concerns, cyber security, limited mentorship opportunities, and the rising cost of education.

Mr Awaboa reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to collaborating with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, the Ghana Education Service, civil society, traditional leaders, youth groups, and development partners to reduce child labour, strengthen education systems, and promote adolescent health.

GLOMEF CEO, Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, stressed that adolescent empowerment was vital for national human resource development and urged adequate government investment in supporting young people.

He also advocated for expanded mentorship programmes and accessible guidance and counselling services in schools.

Echoing these sentiments, Bono Regional Early Childhood Coordinator, Mrs Emelia Appiah-Ampong, encouraged adolescents to uphold discipline, choose friends wisely, and take responsibility for their actions.

She appealed to parents, teachers, religious groups, and communities to offer guidance and consistent support, noting that today’s adolescents are tomorrow’s pillars of society.