Teenage pregnancy cases have increased in the Adaklu District of Ghana's Volta Region, with health authorities recording 120 cases in 2025 compared with 109 the previous year.

Data from the Adaklu Health Directorate show that the number increased by 11 cases between 2024 and 2025, renewing concerns about adolescent reproductive health and child protection in the district.

Of the 120 cases recorded in 2025, four involved girls between the ages of 10 and 14, while 116 involved girls aged 15 to 19.

In 2024, three of the 109 cases involved girls aged 10 to 14, while 106 were among those aged 15 to 19.

CONCERNS OVER YOUNGER GIRLS

The figures have drawn particular attention to pregnancies involving girls under the age of 15.

Four girls aged between 10 and 14 were recorded as pregnant in 2025, compared with three the previous year.

Child protection advocates say the overall figures underline the need for stronger support systems for adolescents and improved communication between young people and their parents or caregivers.

The consequences of teenage pregnancy can extend beyond health, potentially affecting education, family circumstances and the future economic opportunities available to young mothers.

COMMUNICATION GAPS IDENTIFIED

A baseline study conducted in Adaklu in 2021 identified poor communication between adolescents and their parents or caregivers about sexual issues as one of the factors associated with teenage pregnancy.

Parental neglect and peer pressure were also identified as contributing factors.

According to findings cited by child protection advocates, 87.5 percent of teenagers surveyed had never discussed sexual issues with their fathers.

The findings have strengthened calls for parents to create environments in which adolescents can discuss reproductive health and other sensitive issues without fear.

POVERTY ALSO RAISES CONCERNS

Child protection advocates working in Adaklu have also identified poverty as a challenge affecting some families.

Roberta Donkor, Child Protection Officer with a project involving Friends of Adaklu and SOS Children's Villages Ghana, said some caregivers struggle to provide basic necessities and keep their children in school.

Advocates say economic difficulties can increase the vulnerability of children when combined with parental neglect and weak communication within families.

COMMUNITIES STEP UP CHILD PROTECTION

Friends of Adaklu, working with SOS Children's Villages Ghana under a Norway funded project, has been engaging communities to strengthen parental care and child protection.

Community based child protection committees have been established in Adaklu Wumenu, Adaklu Goefe, Adaklu Vodze and Adaklu Waya.

Committee members have been trained to identify and refer cases involving neglect, abuse and violence to institutions including Social Welfare and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit.

Children have also been provided with spaces where they can raise concerns they may find difficult to discuss directly with their parents.

CALL FOR STRONGER PARENTAL SUPPORT

Advocates are encouraging parents and caregivers to communicate more openly with adolescents and provide greater emotional and practical support.

The latest figures show that teenage pregnancy remains a significant challenge in Adaklu despite ongoing reproductive health education and community interventions.

The increase from 109 cases in 2024 to 120 in 2025 will likely strengthen calls for health authorities, schools, parents and community organisations to intensify efforts aimed at protecting adolescents and helping young people make informed reproductive health decisions.