Joint initiative of GHS and Tongu chiefs to combat teenage pregnancy

The South Tongu District Health Directorate and the Tongu Council of Chiefs have joined hands to take stringent measures to address the problem of teenage pregnancy, following its increasing rate in the district.

Madam Rachelle Elikem Zewu, a public health nurse, said the district had recorded staggering statistics, with the first quarter of 2024 already showing a teenage pregnancy rate of 15.6 percent.

She said pregnancy cases increased to 120, equivalent to 13.5 percent in 2023, compared to 100 cases representing 12 percent recorded in 2022.

Previously, in 2021, 128 girls aged 10 to 19 became pregnant, a rate of 14.3 percent, she revealed.

Madam Zewu attributed the high incidence to unprotected sexual activities, socio-economic difficulties and migration.

She said the situation was further aggravated by the prevalence of drug abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, and the lack of adolescent-friendly services in communities and schools in southern Tongu.

She said the consequences of teenage pregnancies were serious, with many facing eclampsia, premature births, difficult childbirth, depression and sexually transmitted diseases.

“This threat not only harms young girls, but also leads to them dropping out of school, thereby crippling their future prospects,” she added.

Madam Mavis Agumeh, District Health Director, told the Ghana News Agency that her team would continue to intensify adolescent health education in public institutions and engage in intensive awareness programs in schools .

Madam Agumeh stressed the need for parents to provide sexual orientation to their children at home.

Zikpitorga Awuku Doe Atakli, the Paramount Father of the Fievie Traditional Area, on behalf of the Tongu Council of Chiefs, has pledged to collaborate with the Ghana Health Service to combat this growing menace.

Zikpitorga Awuku stressed the importance of collective efforts to resolve the problem and ensure the future well-being of children.

He urged all relevant stakeholders and Ghanaian businesses to come together to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies in the district, encouraging parents to join forces to provide services, education and support suitable for teenagers to every little girl.