Cases of teenage pregnancies in the Central Region have reduced steadily over the last seven years.

Though the region recorded 10,301 pregnancies last year, the figure is 613 less than what was recorded in 2019, making it the seventh consecutive reduction in teenage pregnancy figures.

Further decline

From 13,355 cases recorded in 2014, stakeholders had constantly worked to reduce the pregnancies to 13,014 in 2015, reducing it further to 12,404 in 2016.

The pregnancies further declined to 11,474 in 2017 and to 11,386 in 2018.

The Central Regional Focal Person for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr David Allan Paintsil, while commending stakeholders, urged all groups involved in fighting the menace to intensify efforts to further improve gains in that respect.

He was speaking at a forum to assess the impact of youth training fora for leaders of faith-based youth groups on sexual and gender-based violence and gender equality.

It was organised by the Central Regional Directorate of the NYA and the Central Regional Coordinating Council with support from the UNFPA.

About 60 youth leaders from faith-based organisations from districts including Assin South, Ekumfi, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem, Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Upper Denkyira West and Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira discussed the way forward in promoting healthy sexual behaviours among the youth.

Intensify efforts

He said education must be intensified to get the young people that understand the importance of formal education and the need to aspire high and build a better future for themselves.

The Central Regional Director of the NYA, Mr Emmanuel Ofosu, for his part, advised the youth to reduce sexual escapades to minimise the risk and ensure they concentrate and prepare themselves to take up the leadership of the nation.

Prepare for leadership

He said the nation needed the youth to be prepared socially and morally to take up the leadership mantle.

Mr Ofosu said it was important for the youth to have a dream, be determined and be able to discipline themselves in order to work towards achieving their future aspirations.

The Central Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support (DOVVSU), Superintendent George Appiah Sakyi, urged the youth to break the gender stereotypes and reorient themselves for leadership roles.

The participants spoke of the impact their activities had on their communities and pledged to work harder to conscientise people on a responsible sexual lifestyle.