Young People at the Centre of Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG)

By Dracuse Joseph

Since its establishment in 2003, IPPF’s Member Association in Ghana -the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) has always prioritized the participation, involvement and contribution of young people towards the achievement of its mission and objectives. This has been evidenced in the organization’s different advocacy and service delivery programmes which are youth-centered, and aim to reach as many young people as possible across the country with sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. 

Additionally, PPAG supports the activities of its youth-led body, the Youth Action Movement (YAM), which encourages and empowers young people to actively participate in the governance of the organization. At PPAG, the YAM is a powerful channel for building youth leadership, confidence, and agency. The movement has affirmed PPAG’s position as a youth-centred organization that prioritizes meaningful youth participation at all levels. 

“When we talk about youth representation, we are not just referring to their presence; It’s about enabling them to see themselves as part of the process, own it and contribute meaningfully to it. We deliberately invest in building their capacity to develop and implement their ideas, and we provide them with the platform and support to do so,” says Mr. Emil Adzasu, PPAG’s Acting Executive Director. 

Former YAM members now PPAG staff  

PPAG has consistently integrated young people into the fabric of the organization. Former YAM members are often prioritized in staff recruitment processes. Today, seven PPAG staff members (about 8% of total staff strength) are YAM alumni, along with 22 peer facilitators who contribute to project implementation activities as educators and champions in specialized programs. 

Gloria, 28, a former YAM member now serves as a Project Officer and Contact Centre Agent at PPAG. 

“My experience as a YAM member was life-changing—it helped shape my career. Back then, I was an introverted adolescent, but through attending various training programmes facilitated by PPAG which exposed me to different SRHR issues, I grew into a confident and assertive young woman,” she says. 

Gloria, who recently completed her Master’s degree in Public Health, formally joined PPAG as a Contact Centre Agent through the Yenkasa Contact Centre, which offers counselling and support to young people on SRHR issues.  

“Every day, I receive calls from girls seeking help on different issues such as abortion care, menstrual health, or those in abusive relationships seeking help. My experiences as a YAM member, coupled with the learning opportunities I have accessed through PPAG have been instrumental in helping me deliver on my current role,” she says. 

Prioritizing youth leadership 

According to Mr. Adzasu, PPAG’s youth-focused approach in SRHR programming not only strengthens its sustainability but also enhances its reputation among donors and partners as a youth-driven organization. 

“Young people bring innovation and fresh perspectives to PPAG. For instance, the Yenkasa Contact Centre was entirely conceptualized by the youth department, which is made up mostly of young people. The Contact Centre stands as a testament to youth leadership. It serves as a dedicated call centre where young people can access confidential counselling and support on SRHR issues—by youth, for youth,” he says. 

To ensure effective youth participation in project development, PPAG employs a dedicated YAM Coordinator who is responsible for involving youth in the design, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives. 

Patience, 26, a former YAM Coordinator and now the PPAG Advocacy Officer, joined YAM at age 18 as a volunteer in the capital city of Accra.  

“After graduating with a degree in Communication Studies, I applied for the newly created YAM Coordinator role and was successful.”  

In her role, Patience’s responsibilities included coordinating YAM applications for IPPF’s youth funding through the investment voucher -IPPF’s annual funding scheme that promotes peer-to-peer learning among Member Associations, including the YAM component. She worked closely with the YAM President to ensure that ideas from PPAG’s 12 regional branches were reflected in the organization’s workplan and project proposals. 

“Under my leadership as YAM coordinator, the YAM won the grant that hosted the YAM-Africa Investment Voucher in 2023. The Investment Voucher grant in 2023 focused on improving programmatic coordination of the YAM. It also aimed at effectively restructuring YAM in accordance with the IPPF Reforms. The expected outcome was a new structure that aligned with the IPPF reforms.”  

According to Patience, YAM Ghana successfully reviewed the YAM Operational Framework and developed a new YAM Operational Framework aligning with the IPPF Reform. The Restructuring Transitional Committee was also established after this workshop.  

YAM: influencing career paths 

Michael, 43, currently serving as PPAG’s Advocacy Coordinator in Tamale (Northern Ghana), also shares: 

“Back in 1998, as a senior high school student, I joined PPAG’s Family Life Education Club—a program introduced in schools. In 2000, I joined the initial Youth Advocacy Movement (then called Youth Advocacy Movement, later rebranded as Youth Action Movement in 2004). 

As a YAM member, I took part in SRHR-themed community-based drama activities, often performed in churches. Over time, I rose to become the chairperson of the YAM and was actively involved in its rebranding. 

My experience with YAM greatly influenced my career path. I went on to study communication and, for my final project, created a film on the challenges young people face in accessing contraception and SRHR information. Through YAM, I developed valuable communication, leadership, and project management skills. After completing my studies, I did my national service with PPAG in Accra. That internship led to a full-time role as a Field Officer in PPAG’s Eastern Region.” 

Michael says that joining PPAG’s YAM led to his career growth. 

“Over the past 17 years, I’ve grown within the organization—from Field Officer to Project Officer, then Project Coordinator, and now Advocacy Coordinator.” 

Emmanuel Akoto, the PPAG Program Director affirms the organization’s commitment to young people.  

“PPAG’s YAM continues to thrive as a vibrant hub for youth leadership, innovation, and impact. At PPAG, we recognize that empowering young people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead in SRHR is not only an investment in the future but a necessity for sustainable development. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders, champion youth-led initiatives, and ensure that platforms like YAM are adequately resourced and strategically positioned to influence policy, challenge harmful norms, and drive community transformation,” he says.