Three schools in the Asante Akyim Central Municipality and the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region have inaugurated the MamaYe Ambassadors Parliament (MAP) as part of efforts to increase student activism around maternal and newborn health.
The MamaYe Ambassadors Parliament is the high school advocacy arm of the MamaYe campaign for maternal and newborn survival. It is part of activities to demand greater political will for investments in maternal and newborn health in Ghana.
The St. Mary’s Girls Senior High School, Kwamang Secondary School and the Beposo Islamic Secondary Schools brought the MAP to life at simultaneous ceremonies in their respective districts. The new advocates engaged in various activities such as debates on the propriety of the abortion law as well as a public forum on the dangers of teenage pregnancy.
At the St. Mary’s Girls Senior High School in the Asante Akyim Central Municipality, the Municipal Planning Officer, Municipal Health Officer, the Headmistress and teachers came out to support the students. Coordinator of the MamaYe activities in the municipality, Philip Duah of Abak Foundation, urged the new ambassadors to be positive examples to their peers.
“At your age, one important thing you should strive to understand is your reproductive health and how to take the right decisions so that your life can be protected. Some of your peers will rely on you for information so be ready to offer the appropriate information bearing in mind that false reproductive health information can cost a young lady her life.”
The students engaged in a thought-provoking debate on the abortion laws, the importance of abstinence from sex and prevention of unplanned pregnancies.
In the Sekyere Central District, the Beposo Islamic Secondary Schools were joined by the counterparts from Kwamang Secondary School in an open forum as part of the inauguration ceremony. Cynthia Amankwah, the ‘Speaker’ for the Beposo club expressed delight at the support provided by the MamaYe Campaign for maternal and newborn survival. The event brought together 236 students and community members.
The MamaYe Ambassadors Parliament is present in Mfanstipim SHS, Adisadel SHS, St Augustine SHS, Ghana National College and AME Zion SHS.
Click here for evidence on maternal and newborn health.