Accra: The Atwima Mponua District Education Directorate has announced a notable decrease in pregnancy cases among girls who participated in this year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This development follows intensified efforts to tackle teenage pregnancy in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, a total of 11 pregnant girls and three nursing mothers sat for the examination this year, with three pregnant candidates absent. This marks a considerable decline from last year's figures, which recorded 20 pregnant girls and three nursing mothers taking the exam, alongside six absent pregnant candidates.
Ms. Margaret Nambu, the District Girl-Child Education Coordinator, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in achieving this progress and appealed for continued support to further reduce teenage pregnancy rates. During an interview with the Ghana News Agency regarding the district's 2026 BECE report, Miss Nambu credited the improvement to strategic interventions led by Miss Ama Adwubi Asafu-Adjaye, the District Director of Education.
The implemented measures included regular counseling sessions for girls, girl-child club activities, reproductive health sensitization, and other educational programs designed to empower young girls to make informed life choices. The report also noted that 20 boys were absent from the 1,555 registered male candidates. Among these, three were absent due to illness, six had traveled, five had dropped out of school, one had died, and five were absent for unspecified reasons.
Ms. Nambu commended the parents of the pregnant candidates for supporting their daughters' education rather than succumbing to stigma. She emphasized that a single challenging situation should not end a young girl's academic journey or future aspirations, stating, "Real parenting is not only standing with your child in moments of pride, but also supporting them through difficult times."
She further encouraged parents and guardians to guide their children in resisting peer pressure, unhealthy relationships, and negative social media influences that could lead to regrettable decisions. Ms. Nambu urged girls to focus on developing their talents, discovering their potential, and setting clear goals for their future.
She highlighted the importance of choosing discipline over distraction and exercising purposeful patience, which could prevent years of hardship and position young girls for success. Ms. Nambu stressed that schoolgirls possess the power to resist negative influences, make responsible choices, and prioritize their education and future ambitions above all else.