The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded 53,415 cases of adolescent pregnancy between January and July 2026, highlighting growing concerns about the effects of teenage pregnancy on girls’ education, mental well-being and future career opportunities. The disclosure was made by a counselling psychologist and member of the CAMFED Association, Perpetual Opata, during the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebration held at the Madina Technical Institute in Accra. The event was organised under the theme, “Skills Over Early Marriage: Unlocking Girls’ Potential Through TVET.”
Ms Opata explained that the statistics represented adolescents who had reported to health facilities, noting that the actual number could be higher because some pregnant teenagers might not have sought medical care. She identified the Savannah Region as having the highest proportion of teenage pregnancies, accounting for 25.9 per cent, while the Greater Accra Region recorded the lowest at six per cent.
Addressing the consequences of teenage pregnancy, Ms Opata said affected girls often faced emotional difficulties, including anxiety, fear, shame and social isolation, with some developing serious mental health challenges. She further noted that early pregnancy could derail girls’ educational journeys and career aspirations. According to her, many young mothers found it difficult to return to school after childbirth due to childcare demands, financial constraints and the stigma associated with teenage pregnancy.
Skills as an alternative to early marriage
Dr. Eric Kofi Adzore, the Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, emphasised the need for increased support for girls to acquire technical and vocational skills as a way to promote financial independence and combat child marriage. He noted that poverty, limited educational opportunities, and harmful societal expectations continue to expose girls to early marriage, disrupting their education. Dr. Adzore urged parents, traditional leaders, and religious authorities to challenge practices that support child marriage, and he encouraged schools to create safe and inclusive learning environments for all students.
Call for safer training institutions
The Special Guest of Honour, Patricia Bossoh, Programme Component Head at GIZ, emphasised the need for stronger measures to protect girls in technical and vocational institutions from abuse, harassment, and discrimination. She stated that creating safe learning environments is essential for enabling girls to complete their education, acquire skills, and pursue their desired careers.
Referring to allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Ms. Bossoh highlighted the necessity of effective safeguarding systems in educational institutions. She stressed the importance of addressing these allegations through due process. “A girl should never have to choose between her education and her safety,” she asserted. Ms. Bossoh called on parents, education authorities, and employers to provide girls with equal opportunities to develop their skills and secure employment.
Prioritise skills training
The Principal of the Madina Technical Institute, Vivian Azumah, urged parents and guardians to support girls to complete their technical and vocational education before considering early marriage. She said early marriage could deprive girls of opportunities to acquire employable skills and contribute to national development.
