The Upper East Regional Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fawzia Yakubu Abagnama, has appealed to queen mothers in the Bongo District to partner with her in efforts aimed at empowering women and protecting the girl child from social vices, particularly teenage pregnancy.
Madam Fawzia, who also serves as the Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, made the appeal during a meeting with queen mothers in the district as part of activities to mark the New Year. She used the occasion to present 20 half pieces of cloth and an undisclosed amount of money to the queen mothers as a New Year gift.
“I met with the queen mothers in the Bongo District to wish them a happy New Year and to appeal to them to partner with me to support women and the girl child,” Madam Fawzia said. “Even though they cannot do partisan politics, it is their responsibility to help in the growth and protection of women in our communities.”
Her appeal comes against the backdrop of worrying teenage pregnancy figures recorded in the district. In 2025 alone, Bongo District recorded 212 teenage pregnancies out of a total of 2,436 cases across the Upper East Region, involving girls between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
Madam Fawzia noted that while teenage pregnancy remains a major concern, other social challenges, such as domestic violence and child neglect, also affect women and girls, calling for collective action to address the situation. “These social issues threaten the future of our girls and women. We need the influence and wisdom of queen mothers to help educate families and guide young people,” she stressed.
She acknowledged that queen mothers, though non-partisan, wield significant influence at the community level and can play a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviours. “Their voices are respected, and their counsel carries weight. That is why their support is critical in tackling these challenges,” she added.
The queen mothers expressed appreciation for the gesture and assured Madam Fawzia of their willingness to collaborate in initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare, education and well-being of women and girls in the Bongo District.
Madam Fawzia reiterated her commitment to working closely with traditional leaders, women’s groups and other stakeholders to reduce teenage pregnancy and create opportunities for women and girls to thrive.
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