BY Issah Olegor
The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has sounded the alarm over a worrying decline in condom use among Ghana’s youth, attributing the trend to a growing sense of complacency and waning fear of HIV and AIDS infections.
Officials warn that this behavioral shift could reverse years of progress made in the national fight against HIV.
Speaking at the 14th National Partnership Forum on HIV and AIDS in Accra, the Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Commission, Isaiah Doe Kwao, revealed that despite the ready availability of condoms across the country, a significant number of young people are engaging in unprotected sex.
He attributed the development to misconceptions about HIV, including the belief that the disease is no longer life-threatening due to advances in treatment and the reduced visibility of AIDS-related deaths.
“Even though we have condoms in this country, it appears the youth of today are not using them as we would want,” Kwao stated.
“Some young people say they prefer the natural feel, while others think HIV is no longer deadly because they no longer see people dying like before, so the fear factor is gone.”
A Growing Risk Among Youth
The Commission’s findings mirror broader global concerns about declining condom use, especially in developing countries where antiretroviral therapy has improved the quality of life for people living with HIV.
The youthful population — making up over 57% of the country’s demographics — is now at the center of what the GAC describes as a “silent behavioral crisis.”
Public health experts fear that the normalization of unprotected sex, coupled with the popularity of casual encounters, may trigger a new wave of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
The GAC continues to emphasize that condoms remain one of the most effective and accessible tools for preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies.
“As much as possible, we continue to encourage young people to reduce risky behaviors. Condom use is still key in preventing HIV and other infections,” Kwao reiterated. “We advise them to either abstain, remain faithful to one partner, or use condoms consistently and correctly.”
Historical Context
The HIV prevention campaigns date back to the early 1990s, when the government intensified public awareness efforts through nationwide media campaigns and school-based education.
The early 2000s saw significant donor support from international partners like the Global Fund, UNAIDS, and USAID, which helped expand access to free testing and treatment.
However, in recent years, funding from these partners has either declined or been withdrawn entirely, creating what the GAC describes as a “serious funding gap” in the HIV response.
This reduction in external support threatens to undermine ongoing interventions aimed at meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target — ensuring that by 2030, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
“It is incumbent on the Government of Ghana to fill in the gap so that we can implement the interventions we’ve laid out,” Kwao emphasized.
Private Sector
To address the shortfall in funding, the Commission is urging both corporate entities and individuals to contribute to the national HIV and AIDS response. Kwao revealed that the Commission has introduced a mobile donation platform — *9898# — where Ghanaians can contribute as little as one cedi to support HIV-related activities across the country.
The Chairperson of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Kakra Essamuah, who also chaired the forum, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to mobilizing domestic resources to sustain the HIV response.
He called for innovation, stronger partnerships, and community-driven interventions to tackle emerging challenges, including the youth’s apathy toward preventive measures.
Global Partnerships and Renewed Commitment
Representatives from UNESCO, NAP+ Ghana, the Global Fund, and the Ghana Employers Association who attended the event pledged continued collaboration with the Commission.
They also underscored the need for sustained education campaigns and inclusive health programs that target young people, particularly in schools, communities, and on social media — platforms where myths and misinformation about HIV are most prevalent.
