News:
August 21, 2013
The Member of Parliament for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA), Hon. Stephen Nana Ato Arthur has joined the fight against teenage pregnancy by calling for the implementation and enforcement of effective measures to ensure its complete elimination in the area.
The situation of teenage pregnancy has for the past few years risen uncontrollably in the KEEA Municipality though the MP stated that constant efforts have already been put in place to minimize the situation.
However, a recent study conducted by Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR), found that the age at which girls and boys have their first sexual experience had sink from between 11 and 14 to 8 years, the study which was conducted in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) Municipality and three other districts in the country.
The research also found that a total of 821 cases of teenage pregnancy representing 17.5% were recorded in 2011 as compared to 793 cases in 2010 representing 17% of antenatal care registrants in KEEA alone.
However, the study included that 13 out of the total number were between the ages of 10 –14 years as against 10 recorded in 2010.
Hon. Ato Arthur however said in an interview with GhanaMPs.gov.gh that measures to help reduce the menace were still under consideration after stakeholders workshop was held two weeks ago to help fight against the menace.
According to the soft-spoken MP, measures such as putting a stop to wake-keepings, and banning of school pupils from attending funerals ceremonies were recommended at the workshop after sighting them to be one of the leading causes of teenage pregnancies in the area.
He further pleaded on parents to educate their children on teenage pregnancy and the consequences involved, at least as a mean of deterring them from indulging in such act.
Emmanuel Frimpong Mensah/GhanaMPs.gov.gh