Edumadze expresses concern over rate of population increase

Mankessim (C/R), Sept. 28, GNA - Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister on Tuesday expressed concern about the soaring rate of the country's population growth, saying its attendant problems such as maternal mortality, morbidity, and adolescent reproductive health posed challenges to socio-economic development.

These problems, including sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS have been challenges faced by all governments, he said. Mr Edumadze said this in a speech read for him at a one-day consultation workshop on the development of the Ghana/United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA) fifth Country programme for regional stakeholders at Mankessim.

The workshop was organised by the UNFPA, in collaboration with African Youth Alliance (AYA) Ghana. It was attended by 40 participants drawn from related Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the region. Mr Makane Kane, UNFPA Country representative, said his organization's new vision was to support countries like Ghana to utilize population data to formulate policies and programmes to reduce poverty. It was also to ensure safe delivery of babies and promote the health of the youth, particularly from HIV/AIDS.

Mr Michael Essandoh, Regional Coordinating Director, said poverty was an issue confronting the Central region and expressed gratitude to the UNFPA for selecting it among four others in the country to benefit from the project.