The Chief of Adidome, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V, highlighted the growing issue of teenage pregnancy in Central Tongo during a special event at the Adidome Hospital.
The event, organized by the MTN Foundation, saw the presentation of hampers to newborn babies and their mothers.

The Chief’s remarks, delivered in the presence of the Head of Corporate Communications at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, focused on the urgent need to address the rising rate of teenage pregnancies in the region.

Togbe Agyeman V opened his speech by acknowledging that teenage pregnancy is a significant problem nationwide but emphasized that Central Tongo, including Adidome – the district and traditional capital of Mafi – has been identified as a hotspot for the problem. “Unfortunately, we got this report a couple of years ago. And as traditional rulers, we are deeply concerned,” he said. He added that it is a problem that requires the collective effort of not only traditional rulers but also parents, educators, and government agencies.

Describing teenage pregnancy as a "symptom of poverty," the Chief pointed out that many young girls fall victim to such situations because of their economic vulnerabilities. He recounted heart-breaking cases where teenage girls have been lured into relationships by adults, offering basic needs like sanitary pads. “Some people got pregnant because someone was providing something as basic as a sanitary pad,” he said. “This is a huge issue that we need to address at all levels.”

The Chief called for stronger collaboration between traditional leaders, educational institutions, and the government to curb the problem.

He suggested that one of the most effective ways to address teenage pregnancy is by improving livelihoods, especially in rural areas, where economic challenges are most prevalent. “If we improve the livelihood of parents, they will be better equipped to protect their children,” he said, urging the government to prioritize programmes that promote economic empowerment in rural communities.

Additionally, Togbe Agyeman V expressed his disappointment with local government responses to the crisis, noting that while there is a shared concern about teenage pregnancies, funding for educational initiatives and interventions is often insufficient. “If the district assembly does not have the budget, we need support from the central government,” he said, emphasizing the need for a dedicated national plan to address the issue.

In a direct appeal, he urged the Vice President-elect, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to make the issue of teenage pregnancy a priority during her tenure. “This is an issue concerning women and children. Please, make it one of your priorities,” he pleaded, noting that many local women’s organizations, including a new association of Queen Mothers, are eager to support the initiative.

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Head of Corporate Communications at MTN Ghana, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the company’s long-standing tradition of supporting maternal health. She noted the concerning trend of young parents, including a 16-year-old mother, a 17-year-old mother, and a 19-year-old who already had three children. “This morning, we have seen first-hand the challenges that these young mothers face,” she said. “There needs to be more intervention to help prevent teenage pregnancies and to support young parents.”

Fiagbenu also called for better educational support for young mothers, particularly for teenage girls who become pregnant while still in school. She stressed that girls who drop out due to pregnancy must be allowed to return to school and that vocational training should continue for those who were learning a trade. “We are not encouraging children to get pregnant, but if it happens, we must provide the necessary support for them to continue their education,” she said.

The event concluded with the presentation of hampers to the mothers and newborns, celebrating the joy of new life during the Christmas season. However, the underlying message from both Togbe Agyeman V and Georgina Asare Fiagbenu was clear: a more comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is needed to tackle the teenage pregnancy crisis in Central Tongo, with a focus on economic empowerment, education, and strong community involvement.