Adolescent Girls’ Programme records zero pregnancies at Mafi-Kumase school

The Adolescent Girls’ Programme (AGP) has achieved a significant milestone in the Central Tongu District, with the Mafi-Kumase Comboni R.C. School recording zero teenage pregnancies this year. This progress represents a major turnaround for the institution, which documented five cases of pregnancy five years ago. Launched in 2025, the AGP is a collaborative initiative between UNFPA and UNICEF, supported by funding from Global Affairs Canada, designed to improve sexual health outcomes and education for young women in the region.

The programme’s impact stems from its integrated approach, which combines student education with parental engagement. By providing training to parents, the AGP has strengthened family communication, allowing for more open discussions about sexual health and personal development. As a result, students are increasingly prioritizing their education and demonstrating better decision-making skills. Observations during a recent district tour confirmed that these interventions are successfully encouraging adolescents to adopt healthier lifestyles and stay in school.

Community involvement and the support of local health facilities have also played a crucial role in the programme's success. Health workers in the district report that even in cases where pregnancies do occur, adolescent girls are now more likely to seek professional medical care for safe deliveries. Furthermore, there is a growing trend of young mothers expressing a firm commitment to continuing their education, supported by a community environment that has become more receptive to their needs.

As the AGP continues its implementation, the focus remains on expanding access to reproductive health services and further empowering adolescents to take charge of their futures. The success observed at the Mafi-Kumase Comboni R.C. School serves as a benchmark for the programme’s broader objectives across the Central Tongu District. By addressing both the social and medical aspects of teenage pregnancy, the initiative aims to create lasting change for the next generation of women in Ghana.