South Tongu District reports rise in teenage pregnancy

The South Tongu District in Ghana's Volta Region has reported an increase in teenage pregnancy cases. Between January and June 2026, approximately 190 cases were recorded across health facilities, up from 166 during the same period in 2025.

District Public Health Nurse Rachelle Elikem Zewu noted that the district's rate of 11.6% has surpassed the national threshold of 11.5%. Contributing factors cited include poverty, drug abuse, inadequate sexual education, and sexual and gender-based violence. The district has a reported poverty index of 36.0%.

In response, traditional authorities and health officials have launched an intensive adolescent education drive. The initiative aims to increase awareness regarding teenage well-being to help curb pregnancy rates and related issues such as substance abuse.