A member of the New Patriotic Party’s communications team in the Upper East Region has called for a review of Ghana’s policy that allows pregnant students to remain in school, arguing that it may undermine efforts to curb teenage pregnancy.
Dr. Samuel Akonga made the remarks during a discussion on Dreamz FM’s Breakfast Today program while reacting to concerns about increasing cases of teenage pregnancy among schoolgirls in parts of the Upper East Region.
Dr Akonga said he shares concerns raised by educational stakeholders who believe the policy does not serve as an effective deterrent to teenage pregnancy.
“If a student becomes pregnant and continues schooling without consequences, other students may perceive it as acceptable behavior,” he said.
He argued that some educational policies adopted in Ghana are influenced by foreign systems without sufficient consideration of local cultural values and realities.
According to Dr Akonga, policymakers should review the policy to ensure it balances the educational rights of pregnant girls with efforts to discourage teenage pregnancy.
He acknowledged the importance of protecting girls’ access to education but maintained that the current framework may be producing unintended consequences.
Dr Akonga also expressed concern over reports of high teenage pregnancy rates in some communities, particularly in border areas, which he attributed partly to weak parental supervision and changing social influences.
He urged parents, schools and community leaders to strengthen education on sexual and reproductive health while monitoring the welfare of adolescents.
The Ghana Education Service currently allows pregnant students to continue their education as part of efforts to reduce school dropouts and ensure girls complete their schooling.
