Our Community Voice of Strength

By Diana Abiba Wahab, G-CAT Member “Who pays the cost of connection?” — this powerful question echoed in my mind as I boarded my flight from Ghana to Windhoek, Namibia, to represent the Ghana Community Advisory Team (G-CAT) at the 2025 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAFRICA25). The excitement was palpable, but so was the sense of responsibility. From 23rd to 26th September, youth, advocates, policymakers, and digital rights experts from across the continent converged to deliberate on issues shaping Africa’s digital future. Yet, amidst the brilliant conversations, one truth stood out clearly to me — youth voices remain rare and often underrepresented in these global spaces. The days leading up to our session were rich with insights and learning. I had the privilege to participate in several pre-events that deepened my understanding of digital governance and its implications for human rights. One such session, organised by Paradigm Initiative, examined Digital Rights and Governan...

By Richard Agodzo In the 21st century, technological advancement has brought education and information closer to us than ever before. With just a mobile phone and internet access, a world of knowledge is within reach—especially on critical health issues like HIV. Yet, this same digital space that should be a tool for transformation is becoming a trap for stigma, silence, and discrimination. For many young advocates and activists working to end HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Ghana, the online space is no longer a safe zone. While the internet offers opportunities to educate, connect, and amplify voices, it also exposes us to digital abuse, harassment, and technology-facilitated violence. These realities are pushing youth away from participating actively in the HIV response online. The Invisible Wound: Online Stigma and Digital Harassment Digital spaces should empower us. But instead, many young people living with HIV or working in HIV advocacy face online bullying, name-callin...

By NAP+ Ghana Editorial  On June 20, 2025, the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat announced a seemingly generous opportunity: scholarships for Ghanaian students to study in Serbia under the “World in Serbia” programme. However, hidden within the eligibility criteria was a clause that has sparked national outrage and dismay among advocates for human rights and equality — a requirement for applicants to present proof of being HIV-negative. A section of the scholarship notice by Ghana Scholarships Secretariat   At a glance, this might seem like a minor detail in a long list of requirements. But for those living with HIV in Ghana, it is an alarming reminder that the battle against stigma is far from over. This clause doesn't merely ask for a general medical certificate; it specifically requires evidence that an applicant is HIV negative. Such a requirement is discriminatory, medically unnecessary, and a direct violation of human rights principles. The Ghana Network of Persons Living w...

 By NAP+ Ghana Editorial "When I got diagnosed with HIV, I didn’t know who to talk to. It was on social media that I found someone like me—young, positive, and thriving. That saved my life."  – Ama, 22, Accra Ama’s story is the reality for many young people living with HIV in Ghana—navigating stigma, loneliness, and silence, until they stumble upon a digital lifeline. For Ama, the internet became a window to hope. But for many others, the digital divide remains a wall—blocking access to critical information, peer support, and even life-saving services. On May 29, 2025, the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) officially launched its Digital Health and Rights Project alongside the research report titled “Paying the Cost of Connection: Human Rights of Young Adults in the Digital Age in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya and Vietnam.” Held in Accra, the event brought together partners, stakeholders, UN bodies, civil society organisations, and youth digital rights advocates,...

By NAP+ Ghana Editorial Every February 28, the world marks Raising Awareness of HIV is Not a Crime Day—a reminder that people living with HIV are not criminals, and their health status should never be used to discriminate against them. Yet, in Ghana and many parts of the world, stigma, discrimination, and harmful laws continue to create barriers for people living with HIV (PLHIV), making it difficult for them to access care, stay on treatment, and live fulfilling lives. But here’s the truth: HIV is no longer a death sentence, and thanks to scientific advancements, people living with HIV can lead long healthy lives. There Is Life After Testing Positive For many young people, discovering their HIV status can feel like the end of the world. The fear of rejection, societal judgment, and uncertainty about the future can be overwhelming. However, science has rewritten the story of HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is now so effective that it allows PLHIV to live just as long as anyone else, ...

By Richard Agodzo - NAP+ Ghana Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its HIV response. As we transition into a new administration with a newly appointed Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), it is imperative to reflect on the realities facing persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and the broader national strategy to sustain and improve the response to the epidemic. The decisions made now will determine whether Ghana can meet its global commitments and protect the lives of thousands who depend on HIV-related healthcare and services. The needs of persons living with HIV are best understood by those within the PLHIV community. HIV interventions must align with the realities of PLHIV, ensuring that their voices are at the heart of decision-making processes. Regardless of who is leading or implementing these interventions, they must be tailored to meet the diverse needs of PLHIVs across Ghana. As PLHIV, we live with the virus, and the virus lives with us. Our experiences with anti...