Empowering youth, transforming futures: Reducing teenage pregnancy in Akatsi North in Ghana

A recent follow-up study in the Akatsi North District, Volta Region, Ghana, reveals promising progress in the fight against teenage pregnancy. A collaborative program by Good Neighbours UK and Good Neighbors Ghana, which included children's clubs, health workshops, and vocational training, has successfully shifted attitudes and provided valuable skills for young people.

The research was led by a joint team from the School of Social Sciences and Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, including Dr. Jihye Kim, Professor Wendy Olsen, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, Harshada Ambekar, Sonny McCann and Mindy Park.

They conducted both surveys and focus groups, finding that students who participated in the program showed a shift in their attitude about early pregnancy, such as postponing the expected age of having their first child. The program's success is attributed to its emphasis on education, future development, and mutual respect among peers, rather than solely focusing on negative outcomes.

Community leaders have observed a noticeable drop in teenage pregnancy rates. This progress is encouraging, but the report emphasizes the need for continued support and a long-term strategy. Misunderstandings about family planning still need to be addressed at a community level to achieve a sustainable reduction in teenage pregnancy.

The study concludes that social engagement is a potent tool for empowering young people and improving sexual and reproductive health knowledge.

The baseline and follow-up study reports are available on the Good Neighbors UK website. The paper on the results from the baseline study has been published in Children & Society.

More information:
Jihye Kim et al, Teenage Pregnancy and Adolescents' Attitudes Toward Marriage and Pregnancy: Primary Data Analysis in Akatsi North, Ghana, Children & Society (2025). DOI: 10.1111/chso.12999

Provided by University of Manchester