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Teenage Pregnancy: A Shared Responsibility - MCE Urges Youth to Stay Focused

In a concerted effort to combat the rising rate of teenage pregnancy in the New Juaben North Municipality, the Municipal Health Directorate and the Municipal Education Service have joined forces to engage the community.

Date Created : 2/25/2026 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Elizabeth Ansaah/Ghanadistricts.com

A durbar was held in front of the Oyoko Palace, bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, health officials, assembly members, opinion leaders, parents, youth groups, and representatives from various institutions. The primary objective was to foster an open dialogue on the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this pressing social issue.

The forum provided a platform to candidly discuss the key factors contributing to teenage pregnancy. These were identified as a lack of parental guidance, negative peer pressure, inadequate sexual reproductive health education, and broader socio-economic challenges. Participants voiced deep concern over the detrimental impact of the phenomenon on the education, health, and future opportunities of young girls.

Addressing the gathering, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Samuel Adongo, stressed that combating teenage pregnancy is a collective duty. "This is a shared responsibility," he stated, calling on traditional leaders, parents, teachers, religious bodies, and the entire community to play an active role. Offering direct counsel to the youth, Hon. Adongo urged, "If you aspire to hold leadership positions like mine, you must remain focused on your education, make responsible life choices, and refrain from early sexual activities. Work hard towards your goals."

The Municipal Health Director, Nana Yaa Konadu Gyesaw, provided a detailed educational session on the health complications associated with teenage pregnancy. She outlined the Ghana Health Service's role in adolescent reproductive health, emphasizing the associated health risks and the critical importance of prevention. She also encouraged parents to foster open communication with their children, providing them with the necessary guidance and support.

The Adontenhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area and Chief of Oyoko, Nana Osei-Bonsu Sempe II, commended the Ghana Health Service for organizing the educational program. He reinforced the message to the youth, urging them to concentrate on their education, as "the future of this country depends on them."

The durbar concluded with a unified commitment from all stakeholders to intensify public education, strengthen mentorship programs, and foster closer collaboration with schools and health institutions. The goal is to significantly reduce teenage pregnancy in the Municipality and secure a brighter and more promising future for its young people.