Bono Region Records 14,877 Teenage Pregnancies in 3 Years - Nursing Director

Bono Region - 14 May, 2025 - The Bono Region has recorded a disturbing 14,877 teenage pregnancies between 2021 and 2024, according to the Bono Regional Directorate of Health. Rita Adjoa Ansong, Deputy Director of Nursing Services (Public Health), disclosed this alarming statistic at a stakeholders' meeting in Sunyani, highlighting the need for increased support for family planning services.

The region also witnessed 1,188 cases of abortion among girls aged 15-19 during the same period. Breaking down the figures, Ansong revealed that 3,999 pregnancies and 388 abortions were recorded in 2021, 4,058 pregnancies and 351 abortions in 2022, 3,492 pregnancies and 217 abortions in 2023, and 3,328 pregnancies and 282 abortions in 2024.

Expressing concern over the situation, Ansong emphasized the importance of improving family planning coverage among sexually active teenage girls to reduce teenage pregnancies. She identified myths, lack of community support, and outdated cultural beliefs as significant barriers to accessing family planning services.

Despite a marginal increase in family planning service coverage to 39.58% in 2024, Ansong stressed the need for stakeholders' support to intensify awareness creation and address existing barriers. She highlighted the role of organizations like Marie Stopes, DKT, and the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana in providing free family planning commodities, contributing to the increase in acceptor rates.

The stakeholders' meeting was part of activities marking the African Vaccination Week and Child Health Promotion Week, aimed at promoting immunization and comprehensive child health services. The event brought together government agencies, development partners, community leaders, health professionals, and the media to strengthen collaboration and raise awareness about the importance of immunization and child health.

Source: Lead News Online