By Tilda Acorlor
The sixth edition of the Young and Safe Health Bootcamps for schools in the Ho Municipality has concluded in Adaklu Kodzobi, focusing on sexual reproductive health and rights, mental health and online safety challenges among young people.
The program took place at the Baptist Church premises, bringing together adolescents from Ando and Adaklu Kodzobi on December 4, 2025.
Participants included both out-of-school teens and students from local junior high schools, providing them with valuable knowledge and insights into mental health and cybersecurity issues.
Day two of the health bootcamps featured sessions led by experts from the Mental Health Department of the Ho Municipal Hospital and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC).
Mental health expert from the Ho Municipal Hospital, Mr. Gyeedu Joseph enlightened adolescents on the importance of mental well-being, describing it as a core aspect of overall health.
He explained that mental health influences how young people learn, build relationships, and reach their full potential.
The students learned about common mental health conditions, how to recognize early signs, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Mr. Gyeedu also mentioned self-awareness and its role in enhancing decision-making, boosting self-confidence, and improving communication.
He suggested practical ways to combat stigma, such as speaking openly and using respectful language.
In another session, Miss Perpetual from Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) guided students through practical exercises for managing stress and emotional tension.
She encouraged them to pause, take a deep breath, and focus on the present moment when feeling overwhelmed.
A cybersecurity expert from GIFEC, Saviour Kwame Agbeve, taught students about cyber hygiene and staying safe online.
He guided them through precautionary measures and how to protect thier device by preventing hacking, scams, and other online risks using a strong password and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which are best practices online.
Mr. Agbeve also advised young people to avoid clicking on unknown links, and to regularly update and back up their devices, disclosing that Cyber Hygiene must be a habit and an ongoing effort to stay safe in the digital world.
Meanwhile, Day One featured sessions on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, led by Joshua Ayayi, who discussed laws protecting young people’s rights, including Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the Children’s Act.
Kendell Elizabeth Mantey guided participants through puberty and menstruation, covering physical and emotional changes, self-care, and menstrual hygiene.
Princess Lovia Tetteh led a conversation on consent and healthy relationships, stressing clear communication, boundaries, and respect.
The sessions aimed to empower adolescents with knowledge and skills for their well-being and safety.
About the Young and Safe Project:
The Young and Safe project is a three-year initiative that aims to address key issues such as youth participation in city governance, sexual and reproductive health, mental health support, creative self-expression, and digital employment opportunities.
The project is a collaboration between Node Eight, Ho Municipal Assembly, LoveAid Foundation, and Ghana Education Service and is supported by Fondation Botnar through the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Program (HCA-||), managed by Ecorys UK.
The initiative aims to develop an inclusive and supportive community for young people in Ho, Volta region, Ghana by leveraging the capabilities of each partner.
The Young and Safe project will also increase young people’s employability by helping them build their digital innovation and entrepreneurship competencies.
