Naana Lomoki Lomo I, Queen of the Lomobiawe Clan and Vice President of the Ada Queenmothers Consortium, has encouraged girls not to allow unplanned pregnancies or other challenges to derail their aspirations

“Even a pregnancy you have not planned for should not become a barrier to your progress,” she said. She said this at the Daring Women Summit 2026 held in Ada and organised by the Tapioca Foundation on the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls”.

She emphasised that education and personal development should not be limited by life’s challenges and expressed concern that many girls discontinue their education after becoming pregnant, thereby cutting short their dreams and future opportunities.

The queen mother shared her personal experience and education despite being a mother, with her children also in school.

“My first child is 22 years old and still in school, just like the others. So, you cannot tell me that you stopped schooling because you got pregnant,” she said.

She urged young girls to prioritise long-term opportunities over short-term financial assistance, encouraging them to seek support that would build their future.

“If you ask for a small amount of money today, it may finish quickly, but if you seek support to further your education, acquire a skill or secure a job, it will benefit you for life,” she explained.

The queen mother also advised parents to build strong relationships with their children, stressing that trust and open communication were key to guiding them effectively.

“Instead of shouting, beating, or disgracing your child in public, take them as your friend. Discuss issues with them and build trust; they will always come back to you,” she said.

She cautioned against neglecting girls who experience unplanned pregnancies, noting that such actions expose them to vulnerability and external influence.

“Any parent who abandons a child in such a situation is not helping. Encourage them, support them, and guide them to try again,” she added.

She further urged parents who might lack resources to seek assistance from traditional leaders, queen mothers, or public institutions to support the development of the girl child.