Gomoa Ehyiam records over 30 teenage pregnancies in 2024

More than 30 cases of teenage pregnancy have been recorded in Gomoa Ehyiam alone over the past year, raising serious concerns about a growing trend across the Gomoa West District in the Central Region.

Health officials report that new cases are recorded in Gomoa Ehyiam almost every month.

Senior midwife Bernice Amoah confirmed, “Every month, we record at least one case of teenage pregnancy.

So far in 2024, we’ve documented between 20 and 30 cases.”

The situation, however, is not limited to Gomoa Ehyiam.

Health experts in other parts of the district also confirm a steady rise in teenage pregnancies, attributing the surge to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors.

While some of the pregnancies involve boys of similar age, disturbing reports have emerged of adults, including in some instances, teachers being responsible.

Assemblyman for Gomoa Tarkwa, Ayuba Mustapha, pointed to economic hardship and limited job opportunities as major contributors.

He also noted that local festivals often coincide with spikes in teenage pregnancies, a concern echoed by midwife Kemor Mathilda of the Gomoa Oguaa Clinic.

During this year’s Akwambo Festival in Gomoa Tarkwa, the Chief of the town, Nana Atta Kwakwa Egyir VII, used the platform to call for immediate government intervention.

He urged the state to provide lasting solutions, including the establishment of tertiary and vocational training institutions in the area, to offer young people viable alternatives and reduce their vulnerability.

The Chief has already taken steps by setting up an educational fund and initiating other community-based interventions.

However, he stressed that a broader, government-led approach is needed to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy and safeguard the future of the district’s youth.