10,000 teenage pregnancies recorded in Ghana in 2015

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has mentioned that over 10,000 cases of teenage pregnancy were recorded nationwide in 2015, adding that the situation is very worrying.

According to the health statistics, the menace is prevalent in Accra, Kumasi , Techiman and Sekondi- Takoradi as they recorded the highest numbers.

All these were revealed as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection with support from the African Development Bank organized a sensitization workshop on Teenage Pregnancy for school children and their teachers, parents and community members at the Wesley Methodist Church Palladium, James Town.

The event, which took place Tuesday , brought together traditional leaders, religious groups, civil society groups and other service providers. Some participating schools were: Richard Acquaye Basic , John Wesley Methodist Basic, AGREDS Vocational, Accra Wesley Girls SHS, Kinbu SHS and Ayalolo “1 and 2”.

Delivering the welcome address, Acting Director for Domestic Violence and Trafficking Unit of the Gender Ministry, Miss Victoria Natsu remarked

that the goal of the workshop is to engage relevant stakeholders and the youth to design practical strategies in addressing adolescent reproductive and sexual challenges.

The ministry, she said is in the process of developing a long term strategic plan in addressing teenage pregnancy with support from UNFPA and also committed to organizing more workshops.

In explaining the alarming rate of the menace, Principal Nursing Officer and Adolescent Health Focal Person for the Gt. Accra Region, Mrs. Diana Bonah, said some reasons that lead to teenage pregnancy are: cultural practices, lack of education and information about sexual and reproductive health.

She however advised all and sundry to educate the youth particularly, girls and boys on the usage of contraceptives in order to tackle the menace.