Community interventions spark decline in teenage pregnancies in Suhum
Unplanned teenage pregnancies continue to pose a serious problem in many parts of Ghana, especially in rural communities where poverty and limited access to reproductive healthcare place young girls at greater risk.
In the Eastern Region’s Suhum Municipality, however, there are signs of progress. Targeted efforts to tackle the underlying causes are beginning to show impact, with more girls choosing to focus on their education, self-development and future ambitions rather than engaging in activities that could result in unintended pregnancies.
Even so, significant obstacles remain. Poverty is still a major factor, as some girls struggle to afford essential hygiene products such as sanitary pads, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. One 15-year-old girl recounted how financial hardship during menstruation often pushes girls to rely on boyfriends or motor riders for help, sometimes leading to sexual coercion. A 19-year-old shared a similar experience, explaining that her mother stopped buying sanitary pads for her when she was in primary school, leaving her to fend for herself.
Over time, these conditions have led to instances of candidates sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) while pregnant, often as a result of transactional relationships in which basic needs are exchanged for sex.
The Headmistress of Apoanopono M/A JHS in Suhum, Ophelia Oye Ayisi, described the situation as troubling, noting that girls are sometimes enticed with small incentives such as meals, sanitary pads or financial support.
National figures highlight the magnitude of the issue. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service and the Ghana Health Service indicate that more than 100,000 adolescent pregnancies are recorded each year among girls aged 10 to 19.
The prevalence rate stands at 35.3 per cent, with 68.1 per cent of pregnancies among girls aged 15 to 19 classified as unintended. Key drivers include limited access to contraceptives, school dropouts, transactional sex, inadequate reproductive health education and early marriage in some cases.
In Suhum, sustained interventions are gradually changing the narrative. School-based Drop-in Centres provide safe spaces where students can seek counselling, share concerns and receive guidance and protection. Implemented with support from Plan International Ghana, the initiative also introduced pad banks to supply sanitary products to girls in need.
According to community facilitator Beneditor Teyie, the pad banks were established to curb absenteeism linked to menstruation. Since their introduction, school attendance among girls has improved significantly, with many now attending classes even during their menstrual periods.
Through programmes such as the Root for Change project, the organisation continues to support children, particularly girls, in addressing the root causes of unintended teenage pregnancies.
As a result, gradual but meaningful progress is being made. Girls like Faith are beginning to overcome challenges that once threatened their education and future. By engaging in football and other empowerment activities, they are gaining confidence, resilience and a stronger commitment to achieving their long-term goals.
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