The Ghana Health Service has recorded 53,415 adolescent pregnancies between January and July 2026, raising concerns about the impact of teenage pregnancy on girls’ education, mental health and career prospects.
A counselling psychologist and member of the CAMFED Association, Perpetual Opata, disclosed this at the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebration at the Madina Technical Institute in Accra.
She said the figures covered adolescents who reported to health facilities, adding that some pregnancies might not have been captured because affected girls did not seek medical attention.
Speaking on the realities of teenage pregnancy, Ms Opata said the Savannah Region recorded the highest proportion at 25.9 per cent, while the Greater Accra Region recorded the lowest at six per cent.
She explained that teenage pregnancy could expose girls to emotional distress, fear, shame and social isolation, with some experiencing severe mental health challenges.
Ms Opata said the situation could also disrupt girls’ education and career ambitions, as some struggled to return to school after childbirth because of childcare responsibilities, financial difficulties and stigma.
The Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, Dr Eric Kofi Adzore, called for greater support for girls to acquire technical and vocational skills as a means of promoting financial independence and addressing child marriage.
He said poverty, limited educational opportunities and harmful social expectations continued to expose girls to early marriage and disrupt their education.
He urged parents, traditional authorities and religious leaders to challenge practices that promoted child marriage, while schools were encouraged to provide safe and inclusive learning environments.
The Special Guest of Honour, Patricia Bossoh, Programme component Head, GIZ, called for stronger measures to protect girls in technical and vocational institutions from abuse, harassment and discrimination.
She said safe learning environments were essential to helping girls complete their education, acquire skills and pursue careers of their choice.
Referring to allegations involving the headmaster of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Ms Boso said the matter highlighted the need for effective safeguarding systems in educational institutions.
She stressed that the allegations should be addressed through due process.
“A girl should never have to choose between her education and her safety,” she said.
She urged parents, education authorities and employers to give girls equal opportunities to develop their skills and secure employment.
Source: Graphic
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