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Teenage Pregnancy Project launched in Akropong-Akuapem

Plan International Ghana in collaboration with DOVSU and Social Welfare, a few days ago launched a Teenage Pregnancy Forum at the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly Conference Hall in Akropong-Akuapem.

Date Created : 8/16/2021 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Samuel Y. Kumah/Ghanadistricts.com

The programme tagged “Be SMART, Learn and Stay Protected Project” basically seeks to empower teenage girls to be aware of the effects of teenage pregnancy and report molestation (violence) against the female gender at home.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Barima Asiedu-Larbi in his opening remarks commended Plan Ghana for the numerous projects it has embarked on within the Municipality which he could not but agree of being positive impacts.

He said the programme was being launched in the nick of time when teenage pregnancy had been on the increase among young girls within the municipality.

Mr Asiedu-Larbi emphasized that he had lost count of the number of reports coming from the various ends concerning teenage pregnancies and domestic violence, and called on parents, teachers, the clergy and other stakeholders to do their bits in advising the youth to distant themselves from peer influence, drug abuse and other promiscuous lifestyle that could lure them into illicit sex which could eventually jeopardize their future.

He emphasized that the girl-child should discipline and challenge herself of achieving a lot in life.

The MCE said the world has come of age where competition among the youth is very keen. He advised the youth to take their studies and vocations seriously.

He pepped them not to sit idle but engage in sporting activities and hobbies at their leisure hours.

He pointed out that gone were the days where women were engaged as housewives but currently men now go for carrier women who can impact into their homes.

He thanked PLAN International for the yeoman’s job done so far and urged them to do more for the communities and that his doors are always opened for any help needed from the Assembly. He then declared the project launched in the Municipality.

Mr Benjamin Akuamoah Boateng of PLAN International was of the view that the project was meant to empower the youth especially young girls to be more assertive in resisting sexual harassment from their male counterparts. This, he explained, would prevent girls from getting pregnant at will and adversely deprive them of their education in the future.

Madam Elfreda Abudu the project Manager of PLAN Ghana in the Eastern Region also emphasized that the project seeks to awaken young girls to identify their roles, rights, and capabilities in the 21st Century. She called on all stakeholders to place a premium on reducing domestic violence and create sexual awareness among the youth in general.

Again, she said there was the need for the church, school, home, traditional leaders including queen mothers to provide support and confidence to the youth so that whenever they fall victim to any form of violation, they would be confident and courageous to seek redress at the institutions set to fend for them.

She summed it all by saying that if all these structures work hand in hand together at the Municipal Assembly level then teenage pregnancy and domestic violence would be nipped in the bud.