Young people have been cautioned against Risky Sexual Behaviours (RSBs) that may expose them to contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and other adverse outcomes, including HIV&AIDS, unintended pregnancies and psychological distress.
A Professor of Social Dimensions of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Prof. Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh, who sounded the caution, also catalogued some RSBs he described as "forbidden fruits", as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, early marriage, sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs among others.
According to him, if pragmatic measures were not taken to stem the tide of young people "eating of this forbidden fruits, we will have some long term implications" that would shake the foundations of the country's health, wellbeing and education.
Prof. Dartey being robed by the VC-UCC, Prof. Nyarko Boampong (right) and assisted by Director of Public Affairs, Major (rtd) Kofi Baah Bentum.
He noted that the indulgence of young people in RSBs was detrimental to the socio-economic development of the country. In his view, Ghana might not be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1- 5 by 2030, as a result of risky sexual behaviours by young people.
"You want to reduce poverty but your population is not going to school. You have a very sick population, how do you reduce poverty?" he asked.
He continued, "If these fruits are eaten and not eaten well, it will affect the health of citizens. The young girls are dropping out of school because they have eaten the forbidden fruits. Then, how do you achieve the target of quality education?"
Prof. Darteh being congratulated by his mentor, Prof. Kofi Awusabo Asare, a distinguished Professor of Population, Environment and Development.
While calling on adults to serve as role models to the youth and intensify sexual education, Prof Darteh further indicated that young people should not be seen as a homogenous population but as a heterogeneous one in need of protection. He believes such an intervention would avert the unfortunate situation of young people engaging in RSBs at tender ages.
"Prof. Chair, I also advocate for the creation of safe spaces for young people to discuss their reproductive health problems" he added.
Lecture
The inaugural lecture was well attended by a former Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Addow Obeng, past Pro Vice-Chancellors, members of academia, civil society and other distinguished personalities.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, who chaired the lecture, charged academicians to identify young people and mentor them to become responsible citizens.
He also lauded Prof. Kofi Awusabo Asare for mentoring Prof. Darteh to reach the zenith in academia.
Timeline of key events in Prof. Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh's life
1974: Born in Yamfo in the Ahafo region
1980: Began his education at the UCC Primary School
1986: Attended St. Augustine's College
1996: Enrolled at the University of Cape Coast
2002: Started working life as a Senior Research Assistant at the then Department of Geography and Tourism-UCC.
2004: Obtained a Master of Philosophy degree programme at UCC
2007: Appointed lecturer at the then Department of Geography and Tourism-UCC.
2013: Promoted to Senior Lecturer
2014: Obtained PhD at UCC
2018: Promoted to Associate professor
2021: Became full professor
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC