The Upper East Region has seen a concerning surge in teenage pregnancies, with 2,436 cases recorded between January and May 2025. This alarming statistic raises fresh concerns about adolescent health and protection in the region, highlighting the need for urgent interventions to address this issue.
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Teenage Pregnancy Breakdown
Ms. Charity Tanni, the Upper East Regional Health Information Officer of the Ghana Health Service, shared that of the total pregnancies, 25 involved girls aged between 10 and 14, while the remaining 2,411 were from girls aged 15 to 19. These figures were presented during a review meeting on the Essential Services Package (ESP) for women and girls subjected to violence, a project funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and implemented by the Department of Gender in collaboration with the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council.
Regional Distribution of Teenage Pregnancies
The data revealed that the Bawku West District recorded the highest number of teenage pregnancies, with 372 cases. Other districts such as Pusiga (276), Bongo (212), and Talensi (210) followed closely. Meanwhile, Bolgatanga East recorded the lowest number at 52 cases. The statistics underscore a widespread issue across multiple districts in the region, requiring coordinated efforts for effective intervention.
Gender-Based Violence and Defilement Cases
In addition to teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence continues to plague the region. Mr. James Akandi, the Registrar at the Circuit Court, reported that 14 out of 24 gender-based violence cases before the court were defilement cases. However, he expressed concern over the failure of witnesses to appear in court, as well as logistical and resource constraints that hinder justice delivery.
Coordination Challenges in Tackling Gender-Based Violence
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mariam Awemoni, the Regional DOVVSU Coordinator, highlighted a critical issue in the fight against gender-based violence: the lack of coordination between her office and district offices. The reporting structure, where district offices report directly to the District Police Commander, prevents timely data sharing with the regional office. This communication gap is hampering efforts to track cases and take action effectively.
Call for Stronger Collaboration
Mr. James Twene, the Acting Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Gender, emphasised the need for stronger institutional collaboration to combat both gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy. He stressed the importance of data gathering, segmentation, and coordination in achieving meaningful results. Similarly, Ms. Yvonne Wonchua, the UNFPA Focal Person at the Regional Coordinating Council, called for improved resource mobilisation and better coordination among ESP institutions to enhance service delivery and protect survivors.
Moving Forward: Collaborative Efforts for Change
The statistics from the Upper East Region serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing adolescent health and gender equality in the region. A more coordinated, well-resourced, and collaborative approach is needed to address teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence. Stakeholders from various sectors must work together to provide better protection for young people and ensure that appropriate services and support mechanisms are in place.
