The University for Development Studies (UDS) hosted a high-level delegation from UNICEF Ghana at its Council Chamber in Tamale. The visit, led by UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, highlighted collaborative efforts to address critical societal challenges, including teenage pregnancy, child labour, and maternal mortality.

Addressing Teenage Pregnancy, Maternal Mortality, and Child Labor
In his address, Mr. Khogali lamented the devastating impact of teenage pregnancy on education, particularly in northern Ghana, where affected girls often face stigma and are forced to drop out of school. He emphasized the need for local solutions to promote reintegration and community-based strategies to prevent these cases.

On maternal health, he expressed concern about Ghana’s stagnating progress in reducing maternal mortality and urged UDS to lead research initiatives to identify and address the underlying causes. Addressing child labour, Mr. Khogali criticized its prevalence in sectors such as illegal mining and cocoa farming, stressing the importance of safeguarding children's education and well-being.

UDS’s Role in Driving Change
The Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Alhassan, reaffirmed the university's dedication to addressing these issues through enhanced research, advocacy, and community engagement. He highlighted UDS’s achievements in fostering impactful change, such as innovations in cereal-based research and its role as a transformative institution in northern Ghana.

Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP)
At the heart of UDS’ development approach is its flagship initiative, the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP). This program bridges academic learning with real-world problem-solving in rural communities, deploying thousands of students annually to tackle issues like teenage pregnancy, child labour, and access to education. Students engaged in the program conduct research, provide mentorship and advocate for solutions tailored to local contexts. Outstanding contributions are recognized through the Vice Chancellor’s TTFPP Awards, incentivizing excellence in community development.

A Vision for Sustainable Collaboration
Both UNICEF and UDS expressed optimism about the potential of their partnership to yield sustainable solutions. Mr. Khogali stressed the need for scalable models for development, urging UDS to spearhead research that informs policies and facilitates knowledge sharing across communities. “Africa is no longer the continent of hunger and despair. Progress may be slow, but with the right partnerships, we can achieve transformative results. If Ghana does not succeed, Africa cannot succeed," he remarked.

Delegation Members
The delegation, led by Mr. Khogali, included Chief of Field Office Mr. Bhanu Pathak, Health and Nutrition Officer Porbilla Ofosu-Apea, Senior Executive Associate Anna Mensah, Health and Nutrition Specialist Mr. Peter Kwarteng, and WASH/Health and Nutrition Associate Ebenezer Essilfie-Nyame.

Story by
Abdul-Rahman Rasheeda and Hafsah Bance 
(UDS Media)