More than 30 cases of teenage pregnancy have been recorded in Gomoa Ehyiam, located in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region, during the year 2024 alone—highlighting a troubling trend across the district.
Health professionals in several communities within the district have also noted a steady rise in teenage pregnancies, with new cases reported in Gomoa Ehyiam on a monthly basis.
“Every month, a case of teenage pregnancy is recorded. Within 2024, we’ve had between 20 and 30 cases,” said Bernice Amoah, a senior midwife at the Gomoa Ehyiam health facility.
While some pregnancies involve boys of similar age, officials say others are caused by adults—including, in some instances, teachers—raising serious concerns about exploitation and abuse.
Ayuba Mustapha, Assemblyman for Gomoa Tarkwa, pointed to economic hardship and lack of sustainable livelihoods as major contributing factors. He added that local festivals and social gatherings often coincide with spikes in reported cases—an observation also made by Kemor Mathilda, a midwife at the Gomoa Oguaa Clinic.
During the recent Akwambo Festival in Gomoa Tarkwa, the Chief of the town, Nana Atta Kwakwa Egyir VII, called on the government to implement long-term solutions to the growing crisis. He emphasized the need for local access to quality education and vocational training.
The Chief, who has already launched an educational fund to support underprivileged youth, urged the government to establish tertiary and vocational institutions in the area to help curb the rising trend of teenage pregnancies.
