Peter Ayinbisa, the Upper East Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised serious concerns about the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy among candidates sitting for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the region.
According to Ayinbisa, 21 BECE candidates are currently pregnant, while 17 others are lactating mothers—a situation he describes as deeply troubling and damaging to the image of the region.
“It is news that sells. It is negative news, and it sells. But it doesn’t portray our region in a good manner,” he lamented during an interview on A1 Radio.
A Multi-Stakeholder Problem That Requires a United Response
Ayinbisa emphasized that the issue of teenage pregnancy must be addressed collectively, as it is not solely the responsibility of parents. He called for a multi-stakeholder approach involving teachers, community leaders, parents, students, and government institutions to tackle the root causes and offer lasting solutions.
“It’s a multifaceted issue. Parents have a role, teachers have a role, the community has a role, and even the children themselves have a role. What we expose them to on national television also contributes. There’s no single approach that will solve this,” he stressed.
Contributing Factors: Late-Night Events and Media Influence
Highlighting some of the underlying causes, Mr. Ayinbisa pointed to late-night social events held in various communities, and inappropriate media content consumed by adolescents, as key factors contributing to the surge in teenage pregnancies.
He urged local authorities and parents to take proactive measures to regulate community events and monitor media consumption among young people.
A Call for Regional Leadership and Intervention
Ayinbisa called on the Upper East Regional Minister to take up the issue as a priority project, working closely with the Regional Director of Education and other key stakeholders to investigate the root causes and develop effective strategies to mitigate the problem.
“I know the Regional Minister is a very proactive person. I want him to take this as a project—go round, find out what the issues are, and lead efforts, guided by the Regional Director of Education, to fine-tune interventions and find lasting solutions,” he said.
The Way Forward
With the future of young girls at stake, Ayinbisa’s appeal serves as a timely call for collective responsibility and decisive action. Stakeholders in education, health, traditional leadership, and child protection are urged to join forces to combat the rise in teenage pregnancies and protect the educational aspirations of girls in the Upper East Region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
