South Tongu records rise in teenage pregnancy cases

The South Tongu District in Ghana's Volta Region has experienced an increase in teenage pregnancy cases during the second quarter of 2026, with 190 recorded incidents reported from January to June 2026, up from 166 cases during the same period in 2025. Traditional authorities have launched initiatives to address this concerning trend, which they believe hinders sustainable human development in the area.

Factors contributing to the rise include poverty, drug abuse, inadequate sexual education, sexual and gender-based violence, and unprotected sexual intercourse.

Public Health Nurse Rachelle Elikem Zewu expressed alarm at the statistics, stating that the district has exceeded the national threshold for teenage pregnancy of 11.5%, now standing at 11.6%. She emphasized the need for an intensive adolescent education drive in collaboration with stakeholders to educate teenagers about their well-being and the challenges of adolescence.

Traditional authorities, such as Queenmother Nanega Mariama Fomedigbe II of Fevie, acknowledged the issue as a significant obstacle to the district's progress. She attributed the high rate of teenage pregnancy to factors like unemployment, ignorance, and indiscipline, emphasizing that many youth succumb to peer pressure and engage in illicit activities due to a lack of employment opportunities and knowledge.

The Nanega Development Initiative (NADI) plans to replicate its efforts across 17 districts to mobilize resources and end teenage pregnancy in the region.