Test us for HIV/AIDS – NDC flagbearer-hopeful demands

A National Democratic Congress [NDC] flagbearer hopeful and a 2nd Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is advocating for presidential and parliamentary candidates to be tested for HIV/AIDS as part of their qualification processes.

This, he says will raise awareness on the need for persons to get tested and help take away the stigma associated with the disease.

Mr Bagbin made these remarks as part of contributions to a statement to mark World AIDS Day in Parliament.

“…We have to include it as part of the qualification of a Member of Parliament; that before you go to stand an election, you go for an HIV test, and so should it be for all presidential aspirants,” Mr Babgin suggested.

It is not clear how Mr Bagbin expects this to be achieved, considering that HIV testing is purely a voluntary exercise.

This year’s World AIDS Day is on the theme: ‘Know Your Status’ as timely.”

A recent report released by the Ghana AIDS Commission indicated that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst the youth in 2017, particularly those below the age of 24, rose to about 45% nationwide.

The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has attributed the upsurge to unprotected sex as well as low knowledge of the youth about the infection.

The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has attributed the upsurge to unprotected sex as well as low knowledge of the youth about the infection.

According to CDD-Ghana, the issue should be a source of great concern to all, considering that Ghana’s youthful population (under 25) stands at about 57%.

“As government and other non-state actors are working to create an enabling environment to educate, create employment opportunities and encourage the active participation of the youth in the governance and development process of the country, it is important for us to ensure the youthful population live responsible lives to preserve their health,” the statement added.

New infections jumped up by 70% in 2016

In 2016, new HIV infections in Ghana went up by 70.15%.

The figure increased from 12,000 new infections in 2015 to 20,418 in 2016.

A Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) report also revealed that in 2016, a total of 15,116 people in Ghana died of HIV and AIDS-related illness.

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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