This is a RENEF’ initiative in partnership with the Social welfare department under the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Protection, Ghana in our quest to join in the campaign against Gender-based violence since we believe that nobody’s right should be violated, Being it a man or woman, boy or girl, old or young, mentally stable or unstable, physically challenged or physically aided not in any form: verbally, physically, emotionally or sexually .
Globally, 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. In Ghana, in terms of sexual violence, a nationwide survey, found that the lifetime prevalence of sexual abuse is about 30% and 23% for females and males respectively. A survey data provides a 2.4 to 6.5% prevalence of sexual abuse for children aged below 17 years. However, data from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service suggest that over a 5-year period, reported cases of child sexual abuse constituted less than 1% of the total number of crimes committed in Ghana. According to statistics available at the Bono and Bono East Regional Offices of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), about 31.9% of Ghanaian women have faced at least one form of domestic violence – physical, economic, psychological, social, or sexual in the region and the most predominant areas are Sunyani Municipal, Dormaa East District, Nkoranza South Municipal, Techiman Municipal. Therefore, in our quest to find solutions to the increasing rate of sexual and gender based violence cases in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions, RENEF Foundation launched a new project duped “BEYOND 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM” against Gender based violence on 8th of February 2022.
The project launched was graced dignitaries like the Bono Regional Minister, The Department of Gender, the Director for Department Social Welfare (Mr. Peter), Director for Department of Children, Regional Director Ghana Health Service, Department Director Public Health Ghana Health Service, the Regional Girl Child Coordinator, Ghana Education Service), Regional Crime Officer, Regional DOVVSU Coordinator (Council Representative), Representative Traditional Council (Vice President Association), Legal Aid Commission among others and the media (Hello FM, UTV, Adom TV, Joy news, Peace News, Citi News, Ghana News Agency, Daily Graphic, GCB and many others.
In A Keynote Address read by the President of RENEF Foundation, Mrs Mary Boakye indicted that RENEF Foundation hope to execute their projects through:
- An anti-gender-based violence sensitization health walk through the principal streets of sunyani municipality and a musical and drama concert.
- Radio and television programs, health screening and other support services.
- Supporting victims of gender-based violence and securing safety and justice among other initiatives ,
The Bono regional Minister Mrs Justina Owusu Banahene in a special address congratulated the RENEF for this initiative and pledged her unflinching support to ensure the success of the project .She urges RENEF to liaise with the various stakeholders in the region to promote inclusion and join hands in fighting the rising canker in the region and its environs.
As a part of “BEYOND 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE” project campaign, RENEF Foundation has recorded and produced an official campaign song for Gender based violence campaign which featured eleven public figures in Ghana, promoted on all renowned television and media platforms as a way of creating awareness and educating the masses on Gender-Based violence through music.
WATCH FULL VIDEO USING THE LINK BELOW
#BEYOND16DaysOfActivismagainstGENDER-BASED VIOLENCE campaign
As a part of the measures instituted for the Anti-Gender Based Violence campaign, RENEF Foundation in partnership with the social welfare department of the Sunyani municipality under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection organized a sensitization health walk through the principal streets of Sunyani municipality on the 7th of March, 2022 after which there was a performing arts competition at Eusbett Conference Hall among the six tertiary institutions within the Bono region ; Sunyani Nursing Training College, Community Health and Midwifery Training College Tanoso, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Catholic University College of Ghana, Yamfo College of Health, and Sunyani Technical University.
At the end of the competition, Sunyani Nursing and Midwifery Training College emerged first with 240 marks at 80%, University of Energy and Natural Resources emerged Second with 214 marks at 71.30%, Community Health and Midwifery Training College, Tanoso was 3rd with 187 marks at 62.3%, Sunyani Technical University was 4th with 182 marks at 60.6%, College of Health Yamfo emerged 5th position with 169 marks at 56.3% and Catholic University Ghana, Fiapre at 6th position with 130 marks (43.30%).
Additionally, each school were made to do a rendition of the official advocacy song titled REPORT ABUSE. Community Health and Midwifery Training College, Tanoso emerged first at 50%, Sunyani Nursing and Midwifery Training College at 35%, University of Energy and Natural Resources 4th at 30%, Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre, 5th at 10% and College of Health Yamfo 6th at 0%.
The program is structured to bring education on gender-based violence to the level of the ordinary person who has little or no idea about the said subject through drama, music and performing arts as a part of the measures to advocate on sexual & gender based violence in the BONO region
The event was streamed live on RENEF Foundation Facebook page and a repeat aired on Onua TV on Fridays at 9:00pm.
The program was graced by dignitaries from Department of Gender Mrs Richlove Berchie, Bono Region, DOVVSU coordinator (A.S.P Beatrice), Center for National Culture, Julius Yaw Quansah (Bono Region), and Department of Children (Mr. George Ankamah), Department of Social Welfare (Mr. Peter Duah Yaw), and celebrities like Akosua Agyapong, Abena Moet, Official Dacoster among others who also gave educational speeches on various topics Gender Based Violence topics.
RENEF Foundation is poised in ensuring that the surging cases of Gender-Based violence is brought under control through public education, public engagements, offering support services to victims of gender-based violence among others
Currently, Ghana is recording high cases of kidney diseases & which directly or indirectly are linked to substance abuse, alcoholism, sedentary lifestyle and illicit sexual affairs among others. Its quiet disturbing to know that, the youth are the ones been affected the most. In this regard, RENEF Foundation have sought the support of Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to undertake a free Medical screening for at least 50,000 Ghanaians across the Country starting January 2024 as our first line of action to solving these social menaces
We offer invaluable services by conducting kidney screening exercises for the general public. By so doing, we do not only raise awareness about kidney health but also potentially save lives through early detection and prevention.
With this initiative RENEF foundation hopes to offer free kidney screening services to at least 10,000 Ghanaians each year for the next five years.
RENEF Foundation’s Role in the Global Fund HIV Self-Testing Project – Grant Cycle 7 (GC7)
RENEF Foundation has been selected as an implementation partner to the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), focusing on the HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) initiative. This important project is part of Ghana’s broader national strategy to expand HIV testing coverage, particularly among hard-to-reach and high-risk populations.
The GC7 grant is a three-year project aimed at scaling up access to HIV testing through the promotion and distribution of HIV self-testing kits. This approach allows individuals to privately test themselves for HIV in the comfort of their homes or other safe environments, helping to reduce stigma, promote early diagnosis, and link individuals to treatment services.
As a key partner, RENEF Foundation is responsible for implementing the project within the Dormaa Central and Dormaa East Municipalities in the Bono Region. Within these areas, RENEF will play a central role in:
- Community sensitization and education on HIV self-testing, including addressing stigma, misconceptions, and the importance of knowing one’s HIV status.
- Distribution and tracking of HIV self-test kits, ensuring accessibility and confidentiality.
- Referral and linkage to care for individuals who test positive, connecting them to appropriate health facilities for confirmatory testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Capacity building of community health workers, peer educators, and volunteers to support the rollout of the self-testing model.
- Monitoring and reporting in line with Global Fund and GHANET standards, contributing to data that inform national HIV response efforts.
Through this partnership, RENEF Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing public health in Ghana, especially in underserved areas. By empowering individuals to take charge of their health through self-testing, this project has the potential to significantly reduce new HIV infections and support the country’s goal of achieving epidemic control by 2030.
A Transformative Platform for Health Advocacy, Empowerment, and Social Impact
Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana (METGH) is not just a beauty pageant—it is a transformative inter-tertiary reality show that leverages entertainment to promote health awareness and address the pressing social issues of our time. More than a competition, METGH is a movement—one that champions the voices, dreams, and aspirations of young women across Ghana.
This dynamic platform is designed to inspire, educate, and empower through a blend of pageantry, performance, and purpose-driven advocacy.
Key Components of METGH
- Health Advocacy:
At the core of METGH is a strong commitment to health awareness, particularly around HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Through engaging campaigns and community outreach, the program ensures that young people are informed, proactive, and empowered to take control of their health. - Empowering Potential:
Contestants showcase their diverse talents and skills, gaining access to new personal and professional development opportunities. METGH is a space where potential is discovered, nurtured, and unleashed. - National Visibility:
The program offers free nationwide publicity to both public and private institutions involved, fostering greater engagement and collaboration across the tertiary education sector. - Mobilizing Institutional Support:
METGH galvanizes public attention and support to address the infrastructural, educational, and logistical challenges faced by tertiary institutions. - Youth Engagement:
The platform amplifies the voices of young people, encouraging them to speak out on vital educational and societal issues that affect their lives and future.
METGH is held annually across tertiary institutions in Ghana. The competition spans 13 weeks, with nationwide television broadcast and live social media streaming via all RENEF Foundation platforms. Throughout the show, contestants engage in RENEF Foundation’s advocacy projects, gaining hands-on experience in social impact work. The ultimate winner is crowned as Youth Health Ambassador and serves a one-year contract to represent the foundation in its advocacy initiatives.
METGH combines education and entertainment through the performing arts. Contestants creatively use poetry, music, dance, mime, role play, and cultural displays to educate, inform, and inspire the public. This unique approach transforms the traditional concept of pageantry into a powerful tool for social sensitization and community engagement.
Conclusion
Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana is more than a show—it’s a catalyst for change. Through beauty, brains, and bold advocacy, it empowers young women, raises awareness on critical health issues, and drives meaningful conversations that impact lives and communities across Ghana.
Being motivated by the attainment of the Sustainable development goals; particularly goal 3, which talks about good health and well-being, RENEF Foundation has decided to work assiduously towards re-igniting the “Know Your HIV Status” campaign through a project dubbed “REIGNITING THE KNOW YOUR STATUS CAMPAIGN ON HIV”
At RENEF Foundation we believe that knowledge is power—and knowing your HIV status is the first step toward a healthier, empowered life.
Too many lives are affected by HIV simply because people don’t know their status. Through our “Know Your Status” Campaign, we aim to break the silence, eliminate the stigma, and encourage individuals—especially the youth—to take charge of their health through voluntary HIV testing and counseling.
Whether you’re negative or positive, knowing your status puts you in control:
- If you test negative, you can take informed steps to stay safe and protect your loved ones.
- If you test positive, early detection allows for timely access to lifesaving treatment, care, and support.
HIV is not a death sentence—with the right information and treatment, people living with HIV can lead full, productive, and healthy lives.
Join Us. Get Tested. Know Your Status.
Together, we can create a future where zero new infections, zero stigma, and zero AIDS-related deaths are a reality. Contact us for your fee HIV self-test kits or community education