By Charles Tawiah, GNA
Nyinahin (Ash), May 15, GNA – The Atwima Mponua District Education Directorate has recorded a reduction in pregnancy cases among girls who sat for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), following intensified interventions to address teenage pregnancy in the area.
A total of 11 pregnant girls and three nursing mothers wrote the examination this year, while three pregnant candidates were absent.
The figure marks a significant decline compared to last year’s statistics, which recorded 20 pregnant girls and three nursing mothers sitting the examination, with six pregnant candidates absent.
Ms. Margaret Nambu, the District Girl-Child Education Coordinator, commended stakeholders for their collective efforts in achieving the progress and appealed for sustained support to further curb teenage pregnancy in the district.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the district’s 2026 BECE report, Miss Nambu attributed the improvement to strategic interventions implemented under the leadership of Miss Ama Adwubi Asafu-Adjaye, the District Director of Education.
She said the measures included regular counselling sessions for girls, girl-child club activities, sensitisation on reproductive health and other educational programmes aimed at empowering young girls to make informed life choices.
The report also indicated that 20 boys were absent out of the 1,555 registered male candidates.
Of the number, three were absent due to illness, six had travelled, five had dropped out of school, one had died, while five were absent for unknown reasons.
Ms. Nambu praised parents of the pregnant candidates for choosing support over stigma and allowing their daughters to continue their education.
She noted that one difficult situation should not mark the end of a young girl’s academic journey and future aspirations.
“Real parenting is not only standing with your child in moments of pride, but also supporting them through difficult times,” she stated.
Ms. Nambu further urged parents and guardians to continue guiding their children to resist pressure from peers, unhealthy relationships and negative social media influences that could lead to regrettable decisions.
She encouraged girls to focus on developing their talents, discovering their potential and setting clear goals for their future.
According to her, choosing discipline over distraction and exercising purposeful patience could save young girls from years of hardship and position them for success.
She stressed that schoolgirls had the power to resist negative influences, make responsible choices, and prioritise their education and future ambitions above all else.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Benjamin Mensah