NYA in collaboration with west Africa Health Organization commences 5-day Northern sector youth parliament sitting on adolescent sexual reproductive health and right

The National Youth Authority in collaboration with WAHO, has commenced a 5-day northern sector Youth Parliament sitting on adolescent reproductive health & rights at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

Speaking on day-2 at Gambaga in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region, Mr. Nelson Owusu Ansah, Ag. CEO of the Authority couldn't help but appreciate the efforts and commitment of the the young parliamentarians in the municipality at championing issues affecting their welfare.

"You cannot imagine my excitement when I recieved news of East Mamprusi Municipal Youth Parliament as one of the most vibrant across the country, albeit the voluntary nature of the initiative and I strongly believe you ought to be commended and encouraged to continue sustain your efforts and maintain the keen interest in your activities such as building and strengthening synergies and partnerships " Mr. O. Ansah stated.

He further tasked them to endeavour to platforms geared at making valuable impact on their communities and tailor and discuss issues that bother on their upliftment. He said the Youth Parliament platform is aimed at bridging the gaps particularly when issues affecting young are being discussed and challenged them to leverage on the platform to make inputs on youth related matters.

Issues bothering on youth development must involve the youth, there must be nothing for the youth without the youth " he went on to say.

He further urged the parliamentarians to not merely be observers, but to escalate the ideas discussed, taking them to their schools, homes, churches and mosques to share with their colleagues.

On some benefits that the members of the youth parliament stood to gain, Mr. O. Ansah touched on confidence building, building of knowledge base on development paradigms whilst shoring up knowledge on current affairs, opportunities to join the regional and national youth parliaments and lastly accessing opportunities on the international stage. He said the Youth Parliament platform remains the most viable mechanism to learn whilst enriching their CVs.

In a welcome address, read on his behalf, the MCE for the Mamprusi East Municipality, Mr. Hon. Danladi Nasiru was highly elated to witness the proceedings of the Municipal youth parliament.

"I have no doubt in my heart that these noble members of this parliament will one day fill the positions of governmental and public leadership as Ministers of State, MCEs, CEOs of state agencies and great business moguls who will bring hope and mentor generations yet unborn in our country" he emphasized.

Touching on the theme for the day "rampant illegal abortions in the Mamprusi East Municipality, causes, effects and the way forward" the MCE again said amongst others, "I reiterate and state emphatically, irrespective of our political affiliations, economic and academic backgrounds, that we all gathered here have the responsibility to help curb and curtail the menace in the Municipality, before it completely gets out of hand".

The Municipal Health Director of the municipality Mr. Mark Esuri, also assured all present of his willingness and readiness to work with all stakeholders to address the canker of teenage pregnancies and their resultant illegal abortions. He advised the youth to frequently visit and take advantage of the services of the Comprehensive Abortion Care Unit established by the Ghana Health Services.