Social analyst, Ayam Fidelis Atura, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of teenage pregnancy in the Upper East Region, describing the trend as a serious problem that requires urgent action.
His comments follow fresh data from the Ghana Health Service indicating that 2,436 cases were recorded between January and May 2025 alone. Among these, 25 involved girls aged 10 to 14 years, while the rest were adolescents between 15 and 19.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Atura said the involvement of children as young as 10 makes the situation even more troubling. He called for broader community dialogue on moral values and child upbringing.
“I think that is really alarming. To have children between the ages of 10 and 14— that’s a very serious problem. It calls for all of us to get involved and have a proper discussion about our morals.”
According to him, parenting has declined over the years, with many young parents struggling to provide proper guidance and supervision for their children.
“For some time now, parenting has really declined. In most cases, we just blame the children, saying they are exposed to certain activities, but parenting itself is very important.”
He added that the weakening of the extended family system has also worsened the situation. In the past, child upbringing was seen as a shared responsibility of the whole community, but this has shifted to the nuclear family, leaving children with little support. He further noted that many parents today resist attempts by others to correct their children, a development he believes is deepening the crisis.
While acknowledging that poverty is a factor, Mr. Atura argued that irresponsible parenting plays a bigger role. He emphasized that committed parents can still create the right environment for their children by monitoring their activities and shielding them from harmful influences.
“People say it has to do with poverty. Of course, poverty is an issue. But when you are a responsible parent who is truly concerned about your children, you take an interest in what they do and where they go. That alone can control a lot and ensure the child grows within the right environment.”
He also criticized the growing normalization of children’s involvement in inappropriate social activities, warning that communities often fail to question such behaviors. He called for stricter regulations and stronger accountability to address the problem.
Mr. Atura urged community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders in the region to work together to confront the surge in teenage pregnancies, cautioning that the trend threatens the moral and social fabric of society.
“It’s high time we, as a community and as a region, start putting an end to these activities.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
