Volta Regional Minister Rallies Stakeholders to Tackle Social Vices at UNFPA Coordination Meeting
The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a high-level stakeholder coordination meeting on Thursday, 17th July 2025, at the Residency in Ho to address pressing social issues affecting the region.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including District Chief Executives, Presiding Members, traditional leaders, religious groups, and development partners, to deliberate on family planning, teenage pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and youth development.
In his remarks, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, emphasized the urgency of addressing rising cases of sexual abuse, teenage pregnancies, and drug abuse among the youth.
“We owe it a duty, a collective responsibility to collaborate and reverse this trajectory,” he said. “It is time we returned to our indigenous family values that will guide us in tackling these societal challenges.
He also highlighted the changing dynamics of domestic violence, noting an increase in reports from male victims- a development he attributed to ongoing awareness campaigns.
Hon. Gunu called for multi-sectoral efforts involving traditional leaders, assemblies, religious leaders, and civil society to curb these vices. He stressed the need for youth sensitization and job creation, observing that some young people are more drawn to quick wealth than sustainable employment.
The focal person for UNFPA activities at the VRCC, Ms. Victoria Fato, also made key remarks during the opening session. She underscored UNFPA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting data-driven interventions that improve the well-being of adolescents and vulnerable populations.
The program featured presentations from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), UNFPA, and other partners on issues such as the Volta Regional situation on family planning, adolescent reproductive health, and second-quarter activity reviews by implementing partners.
Participants engaged in robust discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions and collaborative strategies to mitigate the region’s most pressing social challenges.
