Young Men Aged 20-39 Account for 86% of Teenage Pregnancies in Tema

According to recent data released by the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, a staggering 86 percent of adolescent pregnancies in Tema are attributed to men between the ages of 20 and 39.

Doris Ocansey, the Adolescent Health Advocate for the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, highlighted these alarming statistics during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

Ms. Ocansey revealed that the Directorate’s findings were based on extensive research into the backgrounds of the men responsible for impregnating teenage girls in the metropolis, particularly in areas like Tema Manhean.

“We collected the data so that we can also focus on the adults since they are impregnating the girls,” she explained.

The data also unveiled distressing trends regarding the educational status of the pregnant girls, with a significant portion being junior high school graduates.

Ms. Ocansey emphasized the vulnerability of adolescent girls in demanding the use of contraceptives, given the age disparity between them and their male counterparts.

Expressing concern for the future prospects of these young girls, Ms. Ocansey urged men to refrain from engaging in relationships with adolescent girls, thereby allowing them to prioritize their education and career aspirations.

Providing further insight into the scope of the issue, Ms. Ocansey disclosed that between January and December 2023, a total of 686 pregnant adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 were enrolled in the safety net program in the municipality.

The program, aimed at reducing repeated pregnancies among adolescents and enhancing maternal health outcomes, provides crucial support to pregnant teenagers until delivery.

Ms. Ocansey underscored the importance of providing post-partum family planning services to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

She revealed that efforts are underway to guide these young mothers towards educational or vocational opportunities post-delivery, thereby empowering them to build brighter futures for themselves and their children.