The surge in teenage pregnancies is linked to the freedom granted to girls through human rights, observed Nana Akosua Akomah, the Sompahemaa of the Sunyani Traditional Area.
Speaking at a stakeholder's engagement on National Family Planning (FP) 2030 commitment in Sunyani, she expressed concern over parents losing control of their daughters due to the influence of “so-called human rights.”
While acknowledging the importance of girls having rights, Nana Akomah emphasized the need for parents to instill values and discipline. She lamented, “nowadays you can't even discipline or punish your own daughter because of the so-called human rights.”
The stakeholder's engagement, organized by the Bono Regional Directorate of Health, aimed to disseminate information on the FP 2030 commitment.
Representatives from various sectors, including transport unions, market women traders' associations, disability groups, health workers, and traditional authorities attended the meeting.
Nana Akomah attributed the rise in teenage pregnancies to parents' inability to control their daughters and the uncontrolled use of social media.
She called for a reevaluation of human rights provisions, stating, “There are excesses in some of these human rights provisions, alien to our culture and tradition, and we must re-look and revise them to enable us to discipline our wayward girls in society.”
Dr. Prince Quarshie, Deputy Director of Public Health at the Bono Regional Directorate of Health, highlighted the importance of encouraging girls to access FP services to address the alarming cases of teenage pregnancies.
He dispelled myths about FP services, emphasizing their safety and dispelling misconceptions.
Despite intensified public education, Dr. Quarshie noted a decline in FP practices in the region, emphasizing the need for increased awareness.
He highlighted that individuals, including teenagers, are eligible for their choice of FP options, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers FP services.
The stakeholder engagement aimed to bridge gaps in understanding FP services, dispel myths, and encourage responsible family planning practices, especially among teenagers.
