In a heartwarming gesture of goodwill, the MTN Ghana Foundation marked this year’s Christmas by celebrating mothers and their newborns across the country. The initiative, aimed at spreading joy during the festive season, saw the distribution of special hampers and gifts to mothers in various hospitals, including the Adidome Hospital in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.

The celebration at Adidome Hospital was led by Mrs Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, MTN's Head of Corporate Communications, who used the occasion to express concern about the growing trend of teenage pregnancies in the district. She described the situation as alarming and urged parents to take greater responsibility for their children, particularly young girls, to prevent them from falling victim to men who exploit their vulnerability without contributing positively to their lives.

Addressing Teenage Pregnancy and Education

Mrs. Asare Fiagbenu emphasized the need for immediate intervention, stating, “We know the economy is often blamed for some hardships, but having children at a very young age can create even greater challenges. Parents must ensure their children stay focused on their education and avoid premature motherhood.”

She further urged parents and educational institutions to support teenage mothers in continuing their education or vocational training after childbirth. “We are not encouraging teenage pregnancies, but if it happens, we must create pathways for these young girls to return to school or their trade. A girl must not stop dreaming or pursuing her goals because of a child,” she said.

Mrs Asare Fiagbenu also called for comprehensive sex education and the promotion of safe practices to prevent early pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. She stressed that boys must also share responsibility in preventing teenage pregnancies, noting that both genders must focus on their future goals.

MTN's Corporate Responsibility

Speaking at the event, Mr Mawuli Katahena, the MTN Volta Regional Team Lead, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of its customers and communities. He said, “It is our corporate responsibility to put smiles on the faces of new mothers and their babies. This is our way of showing appreciation for their role in bringing bundles of joy to the world. Mothers are deeply loved and honoured for their selfless dedication to humanity.”

Mr. Katahena highlighted that MTN Foundation has, for the past 12 years, engaged in numerous humanitarian and developmental projects across Ghana as part of its social corporate responsibility.

A Mother’s Plea

The event also brought to light the struggles faced by some young mothers. A 19-year-old mother who gave birth to twin girls on Christmas Day, while already caring for a 3-year-old child, appealed for financial assistance from the MTN Foundation. She revealed that her family is struggling to provide for their children due to severe financial constraints.

Healthcare Workers Appreciate MTN's Support

Martha Gadesi, the Labour Ward In-Charge at Adidome Hospital, expressed her gratitude to the MTN Foundation for its continued support towards healthcare in the district. She commended MTN for its generosity and encouraged other organizations to emulate their example to improve healthcare delivery.

MTN Ghana Foundation’s Christmas initiative reflects its unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. Beyond the gifts and smiles, the event underscored the urgent need to address teenage pregnancies and support young mothers in the Volta Region. Through its thoughtful gestures and advocacy, MTN continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering a healthier and more empowered society.