The Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Solomon George Gbenga has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of irresponsible parenting in the region.
According to him, some parents prioritize spending money at drinking spots with friends over supporting their children’s educational needs. This neglect, Mr. Gbenga laments, has led to a plethora of social issues, including teenage pregnancies and subpar educational outcomes.
He said this while reacting to revelation that about 38 pregnant girls and nursing mothers have been registered to sit the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Upper East Region.
Breaking down the numbers, the Regional Examination Coordinator of Ghana Education Service (GES) Abraham Giba Adoctor said 17 of these candidates are nursing mothers while 21 are visibly pregnant girls.
Mr. Gbenga attributes this disturbing trend to the lack of parental responsibility, stating, “Some parents buy drinks and buy some for their friends at drinking spots, but are not ready to cater for their wards’ educational needs. This is sad.”
The implications of this phenomenon, he emphasized, are far-reaching, adding that not only do these young girls face significant challenges in their academic pursuits, but they also have to navigate the complexities of parenthood at a tender age.
He said, the future of these children hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that stakeholders take immediate action to address this issue.
