Queen Mother: Economic Hardship Driving Teenage Pregnancy in Sunyani West

Nana Adwoa Gyeduaa, a queen mother, has called for support to empower girls and address the rising cases of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani West Municipality.

Nana Gyeduaa highlighted that economic hardships and poverty are major contributors to the alarming rates of teenage pregnancy in the municipality.

She emphasized that many teenage girls engage in sexual activities because their parents are unable to meet their needs due to financial constraints.

“Pre-marital sexual practices among teenage girls are more of an anthem here,” she said, adding that controlling this behavior has become increasingly difficult.

The situation is particularly severe in Odomase and surrounding communities, negatively impacting girl-child education as many affected girls drop out of school.

Nana Gyeduaa shared these concerns with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Odomase following her enstoolment as the Benkumhemaa (left-wing queen) of the Odomase Number One Traditional Area.

During the enstoolment ceremony, Nana Yaa Adanse Poduo II, the Paramount Queen Mother of Odomase Number Two Traditional Area, performed the traditional rites, officially recognizing Nana Gyeduaa’s new role amidst drumming and dancing.

Nana Gyeduaa expressed deep concern over the uncontrolled pre-marital sexual practices among girls, leading to high population growth and unemployment in the area. She called for immediate measures to address these issues.

She noted that peer influence is a significant factor, with even previously ‘innocent girls’ now viewing sex as a pleasurable activity and an ‘eye-opener.’

Earlier, Nana Poduo II advised queen mothers to lead moderate lives to earn respect from their subjects and society. She stressed that queenship is reserved for humble and dignified royals and warned against behaviors that could bring disrepute to the Odomase Number One stool.

Nana Poduo II also urged the chiefs and people of the area to show respect and support to the new queen mother to help her achieve her vision for the town.