The Ayopia community in the Bongo District has intensified health education among young people, with a community forum focusing on HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance abuse and other health risks affecting the youth.
The sensitisation programme was organised by the Assembly Member for Ayopia, Joseph Atisiba Atule, in consultation with the chief, elders, opinion leaders and other stakeholders in the community.
Held at the Ayopia Primary School on Thursday, September 10, 2026, the programme was organised under the theme, “Healthy Youth, Healthy Community: Empowering Young People to Take Charge of Their Health and Prevent Diseases.”
Mr Atule said HIV/AIDS and mental health were among the main issues targeted by the programme, while participants were also educated on sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, personal hygiene, healthy lifestyles and disease prevention.
Health professionals and representatives from the Bongo District Assembly and the Ghana Health Service took participants through the various health issues and responded to questions and concerns from community members.
The forum also emphasised the importance of seeking medical attention early and encouraged young people to use the information acquired to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Mr Atule also used the engagement to draw residents’ attention to the Free Primary Healthcare programme and the opportunities it provides for people to access preventive and primary healthcare services.
Community member Evans Akolgo Azure welcomed the initiative, saying the engagement had exposed participants to important health information they were previously unaware of.
He particularly welcomed the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, saying it could help people in the community access essential healthcare services.
Mr Azure said residents were excited about the programme and encouraged the organisers to sustain similar health education initiatives in the community.
Mr Atule appealed to parents, guardians, traditional and religious leaders, teachers, young people and other residents to support health education efforts and contribute to building a healthier and more productive Ayopia community.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bongo
