By Kekeli K. Blamey
Fievie Dugame (V/R), Sept. 23, GNA — The South Tongu District recorded 190 teenage pregnancy cases between January and June 2026, representing 11.6 per cent of pregnancies recorded during the period, slightly above the national threshold of 11.5 per cent.
The figure represents an increase from the 166 cases, accounting for 9.5 per cent, recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The development has heightened concerns among health and civic stakeholders, who have called for strengthened community education, responsible parenting and closer collaboration among institutions to address the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and substance abuse among adolescents.
The statistics were disclosed by Mrs Rachelle Elikem Zewu, District Public Health Nurse (DPHN) at the South Tongu District Health Directorate, during a stakeholders’ dialogue on adolescent and teenage pregnancy at Fievie Dugame.
Mrs Zewu said teenage pregnancy referred to pregnancy occurring among girls aged between 13 and 19 years, with unprotected sexual activity being a major contributing factor.
She identified other factors in the district as substance use and abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, limited access to adolescent- and youth-friendly services and educational materials, inadequate comprehensive sexuality education both in and outside schools, low socio-economic conditions among some caregivers and barriers to reporting and referral services.
She said teenage pregnancy could expose affected adolescents to a range of health and socio-economic challenges, including sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, pregnancy-related complications, physical injuries, disability, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and, in severe cases, death.
Mrs Zewu further cited mental health challenges, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts and sleep problems, as well as some of the possible consequences.
She said teenage pregnancy could also result in school dropouts and limit affected girls’ future educational, employment and economic opportunities.
Mr Seth Fiagorme, the District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), South Tongu, who participated in the dialogue, called for a concerted effort by stakeholders to tackle teenage pregnancy and substance abuse among young people.
He expressed concern about the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy, particularly among young girls, as well as the growing use and abuse of substances among the youth.
Mr Fiagorme said sustained public education at the community level was necessary to ensure that adolescents, parents and other community members understood the causes, consequences and preventive measures associated with the challenges.
“There is a need for all stakeholders to put our shoulders to the wheel to ensure that awareness about these issues reaches everybody in the district,” he said.
He said the NCCE would continue to intensify its public education programmes on the dangers of substance abuse and the causes and effects of teenage pregnancy.
Mr Fiagorme cautioned that failure to address the challenges could have serious implications for the future development of the district, including their potential impact on peace, security and the ability of community members to contribute effectively to development.
Participants at the dialogue advocated abstinence, correct and consistent use of condoms and modern contraceptives, avoidance of situations that could expose adolescents to sexual activity and exploitation, and the development of assertiveness and self-esteem among young people.
They also called for stronger parenting, open communication, and healthier peer-parent relationships to support adolescents in making informed and responsible decisions.
The engagement saw various traditional leaders and security officers amongst other prominent stakeholders in attendance.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade