93% of sexually active university students in three selected public universities do not use contraceptives, despite 80% having basic adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) knowledge.

The findings highlight the need for increased attention from university authorities and policymakers to address the sexual reproductive health needs of these students.

The study, conducted by Dr. Gifty Ekua Merdiemah, a Research Fellow and Clinical Trials Coordinator at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, was presented at a workshop organized by the African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) in collaboration with UGMC and ISSER.

The workshop aimed to share the study's findings on ASRH interventions and develop operational and policy recommendations for equitable access to ASRH services in and out of schools.

The study was conducted between 2018 and 2021, focusing on three public universities: University for Development Studies (UDS) representing the northern zone, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for the middle zone, and UPSA for the southern zone.

Dr. Merdiemah highlighted that the study identified the health needs of adolescents, including sexual reproductive health (SRH) education, sexual intercourse, and contraceptives.

It emphasized that the cost and location of healthcare services posed significant barriers for adolescents in accessing reproductive health facilities.

The study recommended collaborative efforts from stakeholders to develop policies and programs addressing the SRH needs of adolescents in public universities.

Dr. Merdiemah stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth transition to adulthood by implementing well-structured ASRH orientation programs and establishing adolescent health corners with comprehensive SRH services at strategic locations within all public universities.

Additionally, she urged the Ministry of Education to ensure age-specific sex education programs in educational institutions, supported by well-trained teachers and peer educators.

Presenting another study titled "Access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana: a qualitative study," Dr. Ama Pokuaa Fenny from ISSER highlighted the inadequacy of sex education in schools and the lack of affordable and non-judgmental SRH services.

She emphasized the need for training teachers and health staff to provide relevant sex education and the importance of making adolescent-friendly services accessible and affordable.

Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, called for increased accessibility to information and services for adolescents, stressing the need to expand avenues where they can easily obtain assistance and relevant information.