President Mahama calls for youth-led action amid rising HIV rates among young Ghanaians

President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the rising rates of HIV infections among Ghanaian youth, calling for a bold, youth-driven national response to the issue.

He described the trend as ‘deeply worrying and avoidable’.

Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s 2025 Voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, President Mahama said the increasing HIV prevalence among the youth highlights serious lapses in communication, education, and support systems.

“We are also alarmed by the rising HIV rates, especially amongst our young people. This points to a failure in communications, stigma, and limited access to sexual health education”, he stated.

In a graphiconline.com report on July 8, 2025, the president called for a comprehensive national conversation on HIV prevention to be led by young people, but fully supported by families, schools, health workers, and the media.

According to him, Ghana must not only prioritise prevention but also empower its youth with the right knowledge and tools.

“Prevention is essential, but empowerment is the key,” he emphasised.

President Mahama made the remarks while assessing Ghana’s progress toward achieving the SDGs, with only five years remaining until the 2030 global deadline.

MRA/MA

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