The Chief Director of the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC), Mr. Bless Kwame Darkey, has welcomed a partnership invitation from Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) to champion Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in the Central Region.
This development followed a courtesy call on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, by a PNAfrica advocacy team led by its Programmes Manager, Mr. Gilbert Borketey Boyefio. The visit was in preparation for a regional consultation workshop on SRHR policy influencing scheduled for Wednesday, 30 April 2025, at Pempamsie Hotel in Cape Coast.
Themed “Empowering Champions for Reproductive Health: Influencing Policy through Education and Supportive Environments (ECHOES),” the workshop will bring together leaders from ministries, departments, local government, civil society, and the media.
Mr. Boyefio underscored the importance of coordinated stakeholder action in addressing implementation gaps in Ghana’s SRHR policies. He noted that despite progress, challenges such as cultural norms, political resistance, limited funding, and weak collaboration persist, especially at the community level.
“A coordinated action among all stakeholders with the right political leadership among Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Regional Coordinating Councils is very critical,” he emphasized.
Mr. Darkey expressed CRCC’s full support, highlighting the importance of SRHR education for the youth, particularly in coastal communities. “I will give you all the support you need since you have decided to operate in this region as well. I’m a director who is also very much interested in this, and it is on our agenda,” he affirmed.
PNAfrica, in collaboration with MSI Ghana, is currently rolling out regional SRHR campaigns aimed at strengthening policy support through high-level dialogue and stakeholder collaboration. Earlier engagements have been held in the Eastern Region, with upcoming workshops planned for the Ashanti Region.
During the visit, PNAfrica presented copies of its SRHR policy brief to the Central Regional Coordinating Council team as part of its broader effort to build consensus and support for SRHR across Ghana.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, PNAfrica continues to advance parliamentary openness and accountability across African countries, growing from its roots as a parliamentary-focused newspaper launched in May 2015.
Source: Clement Akoloh||Parliamentary Network Africa
