Upsurge in teenage pregnancies in Brong Ahafo

Sunyani, Jan. 15, GNA - Assistant Superintendent of Police Ernest Kwaku Amoako, Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Domestic Violence and Victims Unit (DVVU) has expressed concern about the spate of pregnancy cases among girls of school going-age group in the region. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in

Sunyani, ASP Amoako said the Sunyani office last year recorded 88 cases of teenage pregnancy representing 40 per cent of 256 cases on other issues reported.

He mentioned spousal assault, abortion, indecent assault, rape, defilement, stealing, among others, as the cases reported at the unit.

"Persons who reported teenage pregnancy cases were between the ages of 12 and 19 and were mostly primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) students".

Mr. Amoako said investigations conducted by the Unit revealed that poor parental care and divorce were the major causes of the situation, he adding, some parents refuse to show concern about their children's affairs.

"The worst part is that males who impregnated them were of their same age group and even denied responsibility", he said, stressing that children given birth to by the girls will definitely become problems to the society and the nation in general.

He noted that the mothers after giving birth felt shy to go back to the classroom because, increasing the unemployed population.

Mr. Amoako advised parents to provide basic needs for their children and to encourage them to stay in school. He urged students to shun bad company and rather to concentrate on their studies to become good future leaders.

The director called on benevolent associations, NGOs and individuals to assist the unit to overcome some of its challenges and assured the public of quality service