We must address the role of boys in impregnating young girls, not just blame girls – Kobby Kyei

Ghanaian media personality Kobby Kyei has advocated for a more comprehensive dialogue on teenage pregnancy, urging society to examine the role of men who impregnate young girls. Kyei pointed out that discussions on the issue often assign the majority of the blame to girls, disregarding the men involved. He maintained that young girls are frequently impregnated by older men, yet society tends to stigmatize the girls while the men remain unaccounted for.

Kyei expressed frustration over the unfair and hypocritical nature of this response, highlighting that teenage mothers are often forced to abandon their education, leaving them vulnerable and shamed by their communities. He stressed the need to address the actions of men who are responsible for these pregnancies, alongside supporting the girls affected.

Kyei suggested that to truly empower young boys, there must be a concerted effort to involve both genders in discussions about sexual health and responsibility. He emphasized that efforts to empower girls should include involving boys, as they are linked and cannot be separated in this context. Kobby Kyei urged parents, traditional leaders, and law enforcement to hold men accountable and to enhance protective measures for young girls from exploitation and abuse.

He argued that tackling teenage pregnancy requires more than just encouraging abstinence among girls; it also involves addressing broader issues such as poverty, lack of protection, peer pressure, and power imbalances. His remarks have ignited discussions on accountability, child protection, and the necessity for a more balanced approach to tackle the issue of teenage pregnancies in Ghana.