The District Director of Ghana Health Services for Ayensuano in Eastern region, Francis Kwoutua Apungu, has expressed concern over the rising incidence of teenage pregnancies in the district, describing the situation as unacceptable and calling for collective action to address the challenge.
According to him, health records from January to December 2025 showed that a total of 301 teenage pregnancies were recorded across the district.
Speaking at the launch of the POWER Project in Ayensuano District, Mr. Apungu revealed that the worrying trend has continued into 2026, with 78 teenage pregnancies already recorded in the first quarter of the year, from January to March.
He further disclosed that 43 teenage deliveries were recorded within the same period.
“In terms of deliveries in our district, we do not even have a hospital. Most of the teenagers we refer outside the district because many of them are first-time mothers and require higher-level care,” he stated.
Mr. Apungu noted that the figures present a troubling picture and stressed the need for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to reverse the trend.
He commended Ark Development Organization for initiating the POWER Project at a crucial time, describing it as a timely intervention aimed at helping reduce teenage pregnancy in the district.
“The fight against teenage pregnancy requires all of us to come on board. We have opinion leaders, traditional authorities, assembly members and stakeholders here. We need all voices added to fight this canker that is destroying our teenagers in the district,” he said.
Queenmother of Coaltar Nana Afua Asuedua III said a Watchnight Committee has been formed to ensure adolescent boys and girls sleep early and also ensure children wakeepings are not held..
The Executive Director of Ark Development Organization Emmanuel Kwarfo Minta,said the POWER Project, being implemented by the orgnanization is under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership – Ghana (RWVLG) programme through Plan International Ghana and partners.
He said the project seeks to economically empower women and girls, reduce teenage pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence, and promote youth leadership in ten communities in the Ayensuano District.
The launch also saw ten community leaders publicly sign declarations committing their time and resources as Gender Champions to support the protection and empowerment of women and girls.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
