The Nananom of the Suaman Traditional Council in the Suaman District of the Western North Region has called for a stakeholder meeting over the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy in the town.
Speaking to the media on behalf of the Traditional Council, the Apamhene, Nana Gordon, expressed worry over why young girls as young as 13 were getting pregnant and dropping out of school, thereby missing out on academic opportunities.
The Traditional Council, as a way of curbing the situation, has decided to fine anyone found guilty of impregnating a schoolgirl with an amount of Gh₵ 2000 and a sheep to the traditional council and a sum of Gh₵10,000 as a consolation fee to the girl’s family.
Adolescent pregnancy
Adolescent pregnancy remained a major contributor to maternal and child mortality. It is directly related to intergenerational cycles of ill-health and poverty. It can lead to devastating health consequences for many of the affected girls.
Girls who are mostly affected are not physically ready for pregnancy or childbirth and are, therefore, more vulnerable to complications.
