Ghana records 53,415 teenage pregnancies in first seven months

Ghana has recorded over 53,400 teenage pregnancies in the first seven months of the year, according to data from the Ghana Health Service. The prevalence is particularly high among girls who are not enrolled in school. This alarming situation has raised concerns among stakeholders who fear that each pregnancy jeopardizes a girl's education, future, and exposes her to risks like child marriage, obstetric fistula, and poverty.

The Ghana Health Service reported that geography plays a significant role, with the Savannah Region experiencing the highest prevalence of approximately 26 percent, with rates reaching 230 births per 1,000 young women in some districts. The Greater Accra region, while having the lowest rate of 6 percent, still contributes significantly due to its large population.

Adolescent Program Head at the Ghana Health Service, Sheriffa Mohammed, expressed her worry over the figures and emphasized that keeping girls in school is one of the strongest protections available. Programs Director at MSI Clara Nyarko stated that teenage pregnancy is not merely a health issue but requires coordination, collaboration, and accountability to safeguard girls' futures.

Alliance for Health Rights Program Manager Isaac Nyampong called for a shift in misconceptions about sexual reproductive health education to ensure that girls receive the right information to protect themselves. Stakeholders urged for the implementation of measures to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies in the remainder of the year.