Kadjebi: Madam Emma Asilevi, the Kadjebi District Girl-Child Education Officer, has expressed excitement over a reduction in the number of pregnant girls and nursing mothers who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the district. She noted that this year, three pregnant girls and one nursing mother participated in the examination, a significant decrease from the seven pregnant girls and six nursing mothers recorded during the 2025 BECE.
According to Ghana News Agency, data collected by the Girl-Child Education Unit of the Kadjebi District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) after the examination on May 8 highlighted that the decline can be attributed to sustained public education efforts on the dangers associated with teenage pregnancy. These education initiatives have been instrumental in raising awareness and encouraging preventive measures within the community.
Madam Asilevi commended parents, teachers, traditional leaders, and the girls themselves for their positive response to the ongoing sensitisation campaigns organised by the Directorate and its stakeholders. The campaigns have focused on key topics such as adolescent reproductive health, the importance of education, abstinence, and the long-term consequences of teenage pregnancy on the future of young girls.
The Girl-Child Education Officer urged parents to maintain vigilance in monitoring their children and providing the necessary guidance and support to enable them to complete their education successfully. She also appealed to community leaders, faith-based organisations, and non-governmental organisations to intensify efforts in educating young girls to stay focused on their academic pursuits.
According to the data, a total of 1,440 candidates, comprising 745 males and 695 females, registered for the 2026 BECE in the district. Out of these, 741 boys and 693 girls sat for the examination, while six candidates-four boys and two girls-were absent.
Madam Asilevi expressed optimism that the district would continue to record further reductions in teenage pregnancies among schoolgirls if stakeholders sustained ongoing educational campaigns and mentorship programmes.