Brong-Ahafo records high teenage pregnancy cases

Available statistics from the Brong-Ahafo Regional Directorate of Health indicates that the region recorded 10,476 cases of teenage pregnancy from January to October 2015.

Out of the figure, 280 of the pregnant girls fell between 10-14 years while 10,196 of them were between 15 to 19 years.

Mr Yen Sapark, the Training Coordinator of Palladium Group, a non-governmental organisation, who disclosed the figures, said 59 of pregnant girls did safe abortion.

Palladium Group is an NGO facilitating and funding the Ghana Adolescent Reproductive Health Project in the Region.

Mr Sapark was speaking at the opening session of the 2015 annual review meeting of the Sunyani West District Directorate of Health at Odumase.

He noted that teenage pregnancy is on the increase in the region because many parents deny their adolescent children sexual education.

Mr Sapark emphasised that sex education is not a sin and called on religious organisations and traditional rulers to support the campaign on safe sex.

Mrs Eva Aryee, District Director of Health expressed unhappiness about the surge in teenage pregnancy, and appealed to stakeholders to contribute their part to bring the situation under control.

She expressed the importance to encourage young boys and girls who cannot control their sexual desires to avoid unprotected sex and teach them other family planning methods.

Mr Paul Kusi, District Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme, said the scheme had cover 64 per cent of the total population of the district.

He explained that the scheme was able to achieve 150 per cent of its premium mobilisation target for 2015, and would soon roll out the capitation in the district.

Mr Kusi advised those who had not register with the scheme to do so to enable them easily access and benefit from quality healthcare delivery.