Tag: Most Rev Alfred Agyenta

The Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, has raised the alarm over the increasing number of teenage pregnancies in the Upper East Region, describing the situation as a moral and societal crisis that requires urgent attention from families, communities, and institutions.

A Call for Reflection

Speaking during a homily at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga, where 32 couples celebrated their holy matrimony, Bishop Agyenta expressed his deep concern about young girls, some as young as 15, becoming mothers. He questioned, “Why should a child become a mother?” He urged everyone to reflect on the state of families, asking, “What is happening to our families that a 15-year-old should be responsible for taking care of another child?”

The Impact on Education and Future Prospects

The bishop shared troubling stories of young girls who, after becoming pregnant, were unable to continue their education. Some were pregnant just months before sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). “A good number of these girls were pregnant just months before the exams,” he noted, highlighting the long-term consequences for their education and prospects.

Growing Teenage Pregnancy Crisis

Bishop Agyenta’s comments come at a time when teenage pregnancies are rising in parts of Ghana, particularly in the Upper East Region. For instance, ahead of the just-ended 2025 BECE, reports indicated that 21 girls were visibly pregnant, and 17 girls were lactating mothers. The trend has raised significant concerns about the impact on the education system and the future of these young girls.

Breakdown of Family Structures

Bishop Agyenta attributed the rise in teenage pregnancies to general neglect of family responsibilities and a failure to prioritize proper child upbringing. He stressed, “A healthy society begins with strong families where children are nurtured with love, care, discipline, and guidance.” He also pointed out that society often complains about its state without looking at the challenges within families. “The transformation of society must begin at home,” he said.

The Role of the Church and Community

The bishop called on the Church, community leaders, and parents to renew their commitment to the moral and spiritual upbringing of children. He reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage and family life, emphasizing that love between a man and a woman is sacred and must be grounded in lifelong commitment and mutual respect.

A Moral and Spiritual Issue

Bishop Agyenta underscored that teenage pregnancy is not only a social issue but also a spiritual and moral one. He appealed to families to offer the necessary protection and guidance to their children, particularly their daughters. “If we fail to protect our children, especially our girls, then we fail as a society,” he stressed.

A Message to Young People

Finally, Bishop Agyenta encouraged young people to stay focused on their education, stressing the importance of understanding their dignity and life’s purpose. He reminded them that they are called to grow, learn, and take responsibility in society.

Conclusion

Bishop Agyenta’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of strong family structures and the need for collective action to address the growing issue of teenage pregnancies in the Upper East Region. It calls for a renewed commitment to nurturing and protecting the younger generation, ensuring they have the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Bolgatanga | Upper East Region | June 23 | G2025

The Cost of the Strike as espoused by Most Rev. Agyenta

The recent strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has caused significant concern, particularly within the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese. Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, the Bishop of the Diocese, highlighted the devastating effects of the strike during his address at a World Day of the Sick event at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Zorkor, Bongo District.

Bishop Agyenta stressed that the actual cost of the strike could not be fully quantified, as many patients experienced deteriorating health conditions, and tragically, some lost their lives. These lives cannot be brought back, he remarked, emphasising the lasting consequences of such actions on vulnerable patients.

A Call for Compassion in the Health Sector

While recognising the importance of addressing issues in the health sector, Bishop Agyenta called for careful consideration in resolving conflicts within the healthcare system. He appealed for compassion and understanding, noting that the health sector plays a critical role in the well-being of the public, especially the most vulnerable.

World Day of the Sick: A Day of Solidarity

World Day of the Sick, initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1992, is a day dedicated to showing solidarity and kindness toward those suffering from illness. It serves as a reminder to offer both physical and emotional support to those who need it. For Bishop Agyeman, this day is a call to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of healthcare workers while reflecting on the challenges they face.

Catholic Health Facilities and Their Role

The Bishop also commended Catholic health facilities, expressing pride in the church’s contribution to healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. He urged health workers to prioritise providing care in a clean and compassionate environment. He emphasised the importance of healthcare providers being empathetic, stressing that their role is to bring hope, not to add to the pain of those they serve.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of the Catholic Health Trust staff, particularly during the strike, as most of their facilities continued to operate despite the unrest. While some workers had joined the strike, Most Rev. Agyenta expressed that this was “un-Christian,” suggesting that union actions should be handled outside the church’s framework.

Commitment to Service Amid Challenges

Peter Ayamba, the Director of Catholic Health Trust, echoed the Bishop’s sentiments, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the staff in the face of recent labour unrest. Ayamba reminded the staff that their work is not just about healthcare but also about their roles as ministers of the gospel. He urged them to serve with humility, compassion, and respect for human dignity, always striving to enhance the quality of care they provide.

The Bishop’s address serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, especially in times of crisis. While issues within the healthcare system need to be addressed, all parties involved must prioritise the well-being of patients, as lives lost during strikes cannot be revived.