World Vision Ghana and Wa East District Assembly Unite to Tackle Social Challenges

In a decisive effort to address pressing social concerns, World Vision Ghana and the Wa East District Assembly have pledged to work together to combat sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, poverty, and deprivation, as well as eliminating water poverty across the district.

This strategic partnership aims to reinforce child protection systems, promote inclusive education, and empower vulnerable communities through awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and grassroots interventions. Key focus areas include preventing sexual violence, reducing adolescent pregnancies, and ensuring children have access to essential rights such as quality education, safe drinking water, and adequate healthcare.

Joshua Baidoo, Strategy and Integrated Programmes Director (SIPD) at World Vision Ghana, stressed the urgency of the initiative, stating:

“Every child deserves a safe environment to thrive. This partnership will tackle the root causes of abuse and deprivation, ensuring a brighter future for children in the Wa East Area Programme.”

Joshua Baidoo made these remarks during a meeting with departmental heads of the Wa East District as part of his two-day working visit to the area, aimed at familiarising himself with the operations of World Vision Ghana in the area.

He called on the Assembly, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Education Service, and other decentralised agencies to work together to eradicate rampant teenage pregnancy, sexual molestation, and drug abuse in the district.

“The district leadership must take decisive action to address these appalling cases of child abuse, particularly the widespread reports of teenage pregnancies and sexual exploitation,” he said.

Wa East District Budget Analyst Maurice Angzenaa echoed this commitment, emphasising the importance of collaboration and community involvement in the development process.

“We must work together, parents, leaders, and institutions, to protect our youth and secure their development,” he said.

Maurice Angzenaa also highlighted the need for sustained education and training for teachers, community members, healthcare workers, local leaders, and young people to promote responsible behaviour and gender equality, including the prevention of unhealthy sexual practices.

Given the district's high rates of teenage pregnancy and child vulnerability, this initiative marks a vital step towards safeguarding children’s rights and fostering sustainable community development.