Eastern Regional GES reports 4,000 teenage pregnancies in six months

The Eastern Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has highlighted a critical challenge facing female students, reporting that over 4,000 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 became pregnant in the region during the first half of the year. This figure was disclosed during the celebration of the International Day of the Girl at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School. The event, which focused on ending child marriage and protecting girls' rights, served as a platform for education officials to demand urgent intervention from all stakeholders to address the rising 14% teenage pregnancy rate in the region.

Speakers at the event emphasized that the fight against child marriage and early pregnancy requires a multi-faceted approach involving parents, traditional leaders, and law enforcement. The GES underscored the importance of investing in girls' education and empowerment as a primary defense against gender-based violence. To achieve this, officials called for the implementation of robust mentorship programs and the strict enforcement of existing laws designed to protect minors. A significant shift in strategy was also proposed: actively involving boys in educational programs to teach them about responsible behavior and the consequences of teenage pregnancy.

In their concluding remarks, regional directors and education officers stressed that creating a safe and conducive learning environment for girls is a collective responsibility. They urged community members to move beyond rhetoric and engage in practical actions that support girls' retention in school. By fostering collaboration across various sectors of society, the GES aims to reduce the barriers that prevent girls from completing their education, ultimately ensuring that every girl in the Eastern Region can exercise her right to a secure and productive future.