Agribusiness consultant and development advocate, Klutse Kudomor has urged Ghana’s leaders, particularly the Vice President-elect, to prioritize creating job opportunities for women as a pivotal step towards reducing teenage pregnancies and tackling poverty.

Speaking at a community engagement event, Kudomor lauded the historic election of Ghana’s first female Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing it as a “wonderful achievement” that sets a precedent for women in leadership.

Kudomor, whose career spans over a decade in agribusiness with roles at Nestlé Central and West Africa, as well as initiatives such as Youth in Agriculture and the Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Programme, emphasized the critical role of women in development.

He highlighted how poverty drives teenage pregnancies in rural communities, noting that young girls often fall prey to predatory relationships in their desperate search for sustenance.

“Teenage pregnancy is largely linked to poverty. If a young girl cannot get food because her parents are unable to provide, she will be forced to look elsewhere. This is what creates the problems we see,” Kudomor said.

Kudomor passionately called on the Vice President-elect to lead a national agenda focused on empowering women through job creation. He argued that when women have stable incomes, they are less likely to succumb to manipulative relationships.

“I strongly believe that if jobs are created for women, they will have the financial independence to avoid situations that jeopardize their futures,” he added.

He pointed to his extensive experience in agricultural initiatives to illustrate how sustainable job opportunities can transform rural economies. His work with the Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Programme has demonstrated the potential of empowering women in agribusiness to break the cycles of poverty and dependency.

In addition to job creation, Kudomor stressed the importance of revamping family planning systems in rural areas. He highlighted that even adults struggle with temptations, making education and access to contraceptive services critical for young girls.

“There is a need to strengthen family planning programs and provide robust education in communities. Women must understand their roles and responsibilities in shaping their futures,” Kudomor stated.

He called for the expansion of family planning services and the revitalization of local healthcare facilities, particularly the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.

Kudomor commended previous leaders for their efforts in building healthcare infrastructure but urged current leaders to strengthen these systems to better serve vulnerable communities.

Kudomor’s advocacy goes beyond addressing teenage pregnancies. He envisions a holistic approach where women are given the tools and resources to thrive in all spheres of life. Drawing from his extensive background in agribusiness, he underscored the transformative impact of empowering women in agriculture.

“In my years working with women’s organizations and agricultural programs, I’ve seen firsthand how equipping women with resources and knowledge can change entire communities,” Kudomor said.

Kudomor’s remarks are a clarion call to policymakers, development partners, and community leaders to take deliberate actions to uplift women and address the root causes of teenage pregnancies.

He expressed optimism that the Vice President-elect’s leadership would pave the way for transformative policies that prioritize women’s economic empowerment, education, and access to healthcare.

“We are at a turning point. With the right investments in women and youth, Ghana can achieve remarkable progress. I urge Her Excellency to lead this fight and ensure that no girl is left behind,” Kudomor concluded.

Klutse Kudomor’s advocacy reflects his deep commitment to rural development and women’s empowerment. His extensive experience in agribusiness and development programs underscores the practicality of his recommendations. As Ghana welcomes its first female Vice President, Kudomor’s vision offers a roadmap for inclusive growth and social transformation.