Energy analyst Kwadwo Poku has called for intensified HIV/AIDS education among young people in Ghana, particularly highlighting low condom usage in the Volta Region as a consequence of waning awareness.

Mr. Poku, speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on December 15, explained that a significant portion of today’s youth did not experience the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and therefore lack a comprehensive understanding of the disease.

“We have a generation that is far removed from the AIDS pandemic. They don’t really understand what AIDS is when you talk about it,” he stated.

He emphasized the need to avoid assuming basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS among young Ghanaians. “You take it for granted that everybody knows what AIDS is, but if you go around asking the youth the full meaning of AIDS, a lot of them don’t know it, let alone what it actually is,” he added.

Mr. Poku further noted the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) among young people, advocating for increased promotion of condom use as a preventative measure.

He also raised concerns about cervical cancer, explaining its transmission from males to females and potential development into cancer in women, while not affecting men directly. “That is why we need to immunise and vaccinate the girl child,” he said, stressing the importance of early intervention.

The analyst warned that failing to educate individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 could lead to the entrenchment of risky behaviours and subsequent long-term health challenges. “If we don’t educate 16- to 21-year-olds, certain habits become entrenched, and it becomes a health issue. That is the next generation of this country,” he cautioned.

Mr. Poku concluded by urging the Ghana AIDS Commission to prioritize securing additional funding and resources to facilitate sustained education and sensitisation programmes across the country.

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