TThe Chief of Akyem Abompe in the Fanteakwa South District, Berima Kwabena Addo II, has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in the community, attributing the trend largely to parental neglect.
Speaking at the installation ceremony of the newly enstooled Nkosuohema, he described the growing number of young girls becoming pregnant as alarming, warning that it poses a serious threat to the area’s future development.
According to him, many parents have failed in their responsibility to properly guide, monitor and protect their children, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, particularly by older men.
He stressed that parenting goes beyond providing food and shelter, noting that children need attention, moral guidance and open conversations about life choices, including the risks associated with early sexual activity.
Berima Kwabena Addo II urged parents to be more proactive in raising their children, set positive examples and create safe spaces for dialogue at home to help curb the rising trend.
He cautioned that without urgent intervention, the social and economic consequences of teenage pregnancies could further strain families and hinder community progress.
Meanwhile, the Queen Mother of Akyem Abompe, Obaa Penin Afua Darkowaa Dowana, also expressed concern about the situation, linking the rise in teenage pregnancies to the lack of adequate vocational training opportunities for the youth.
She explained that many young girls, lacking employable skills, become financially dependent on men, increasing their vulnerability.
To help address the challenge, the Queen Mother has initiated vocational training programmes aimed at equipping young people with practical skills to support themselves.
She encouraged young girls in the community to take advantage of these skills training opportunities and build independent futures, rather than relying on relationships for survival.
Both traditional leaders called for collective action from parents, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of the youth and secure a better future for Akyem Abompe.
