By Ruth Serwaa Asare
Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has expressed deep concern over the rising rate of teenage pregnancies in Ghana, describing it as a major threat to youth development and national progress.
Speaking at a national youth dialogue in Accra, Mr. Opare Addo revealed that over 100,000 teenage pregnancies are recorded annually, with 19% occurring among girls aged 15 to 19 years. He said the figures represent shattered dreams and interrupted education for many young girls across the country.
“Every year, more than 100,000 girls become mothers before they are ready for adulthood. This is not just a health issue , it’s a social and economic crisis,” he said.
According to the Minister, teenage pregnancy remains high in rural and deprived communities where access to education and reproductive health services is limited. He noted that early childbearing leads to health complications, school dropouts, and a cycle of poverty that affects generations.
Mr. Opare Addo called for stronger collaboration among the Ministries of Health, Education, and Gender, as well as community and religious leaders, to intensify education on reproductive health and empower young girls.
“We must build a society where girls can dream freely without fear of their futures being cut short by early pregnancy,” he emphasized, adding that tackling the issue is crucial to achieving Ghana’s long-term development goals.
