Deputy Registrar of the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HEFRA), Professor Vida Nyagre Yakong, has called for stronger community action to tackle teenage pregnancy, school dropouts and the growing influence of illegal mining activities on young people in the Upper East Region.
Prof. Yakong expressed concern over increasing teenage pregnancy cases, describing the situation as a major threat to education and the future of young girls.
She said poverty, peer pressure, social media influences and weakening social values continue to contribute to the problem, while some families inadvertently encourage risky behaviours among children.
The health expert also raised concerns about the perception among some young people that education is less valuable than earnings from illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
She argued that education remains a lifelong asset and urged young people not to abandon their studies for short-term financial gains.
Prof. Yakong called on traditional authorities, families, schools and government institutions to work together to address teenage pregnancy and promote education.
She further advocated stricter enforcement of laws protecting children and encouraged chiefs and community leaders to introduce local measures to discourage behaviours that expose children to exploitation and early pregnancy.
According to her, sustained public education and community involvement are critical to reversing the trend and securing a better future for young people in the region.
