The Bawku West District in the Upper East Region has witnessed a notable decrease in teenage pregnancies, dropping from 32 in 2022 to eight in 2023, according to Madam Grace Ayendago, the Girl Child Coordinator for the District.
The district had experienced a fluctuating trend, with 30 teenage pregnancies recorded in both 2020 and 2021.
Madam Ayendago credited the reduction to the sexual and reproductive health education and mentorship programs implemented by the Haven of Love Children Foundation in local basic schools.
The Foundation, a Non-Governmental Christian organization, has been actively engaging adolescents with educational initiatives to raise awareness about the consequences of teenage pregnancy.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Madam Ayendago emphasized the positive impact of the Foundation's work: “The number was increasing, but because Haven of Love Children Foundation engaged the adolescents, we have seen that the number has started decreasing, especially in communities that the Foundation worked in. Their work is yielding results.”
Mining activities in certain communities were identified as a contributing factor to teenage pregnancies, with girls visiting these sites and often returning pregnant.
The coordinator urged parents to pay critical attention to their teenage girls' education and well-being.
Mr. Samuel Nana Bekai Djirackor, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Haven of Love Children Foundation, expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted the success of the five-day mentorship program: “I am sure the five-day mentorship program contributed to the success and decline in the number of teenage pregnancies in the district as indicated by the Girl Child Coordinator.”
The Haven of Love Children Foundation remains committed to working in the best interests of children, contributing to positive changes in the community.
