The Naana Kakie Foundation has marked this year’s Valentine’s Day with the distribution of free condoms to residents in parts of the Ada East District as part of efforts to promote safe sexual practices and raise awareness about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The exercise targeted people heading out to celebrate the Valentine’s and Chocolate Day festivities with their partners.
More than 1,000 condoms were distributed at vantage points including the GCB area, Tamatoku Junction, Sogakorpe Station, Amlakpo Junction and the Police Station Junction within Kasseh, as well as parts of Adokorpe.
Beneficiaries included shop owners, commercial motorbike riders (okada operators), drivers, provision sellers, commuters and some security personnel.
Some recipients expressed excitement, noting that although they would have purchased the condoms, receiving them free of charge was helpful.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Ms Esther Kakie Ayimavor, popularly known as Naana Kakie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, said the initiative sought to encourage responsible sexual behaviour during the celebrations.
She emphasised that while abstinence remained the safest option, many young people found it challenging, making protection necessary to curb the spread of HIV and other STIs.
“Valentine’s Day is largely celebrated by lovers and potential lovers, so it is important to remind people to love responsibly and protect themselves,” she said.
Ms Ayimavor expressed concern over what she described as high HIV prevalence, particularly among the youth, calling for intensified education by health authorities and civil society organisations.
She urged the public to desist from stigmatising persons living with HIV, stressing that the virus is not transmitted through casual contact.
“HIV cannot be contracted through eating, drinking, sitting or talking with an infected person. It is transmitted through blood contact and unprotected sexual intercourse. So why the stigma?” she asked.
She recounted an encounter with a man living with HIV who sought advice on whether to disclose his status to his wife, highlighting the emotional and social challenges many infected persons face as a result of stigma.
Some pharmacies told the GNA that condom patronage had increased, describing it as an indication that awareness of HIV was rising.
Community members welcomed the initiative and appealed for similar exercises to be organised regularly.
Mr Maruk Idrisu, an okada rider, said he consistently used condoms to protect himself, while another resident, Ernest, urged the youth to prioritise their health by practising safe sex.
The Naana Kakie Foundation is a non-governmental organisation focused on health advocacy and community empowerment, with emphasis on HIV awareness and adolescent health education.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo / Lydia Kukua Asamoah
February 16, 2026
Caption: TM060 Social Valentine Condom Pic 1
