Editorial
Intensify Conversations About Teenage Pregnancy
Dear Editor,
There’s a compound house in my community that has become the talk of the town because of something very worrying.
In this house, teenage girls are giving birth almost at the same time as their mothers. It is as if childbirth has become a race between generations. While one woman is in labour, her teenage daughter is also preparing to deliver. It is not just one case; it has happened again and again.
While some of these girls are still in school, others have dropped out. Their mothers, who should be guiding them, are now sharing maternity stories with them.
What’s even more troubling is how these girls speak about motherhood. When they argue with their fellow teenagers, they brag about having children, asking questions like, “How many chickens do you rear?” — as if babies are trophies or livestock.
It is heartbreaking to see motherhood turned into a competition, not a responsibility.
This situation raises serious questions. What is happening in our homes? Where is the guidance, the protection, the conversation? How can a mother and daughter both be nursing newborns at the same time?
I’m not here to judge, but to call for reflection. We need to talk about teenage pregnancy — not just in statistics, but in real-life stories like this.
We need parents to step up, schools to educate, and communities to care. If we don’t act now, we’ll keep seeing babies raising babies. And the cycle will continue.
Belinda Appiah
Dansoman
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Dear Editor,
I write to raise urgent concern about ongoing construction activities that are dangerously narrowing a lane near Darkuman Circle Station. This lane has already suffered years of encroachment, and the latest developments could block access for fire tenders, cesspit trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders.
There is an orange storey building on the right side of the lane. Nearly two decades ago, a structure that completely closed off this lane was demolished following pressure from residents and extensive media coverage. However, workers have returned and erected another structure, leaving part of the lane open but still encroaching.
On the left side of the lane, stores are also being constructed. While the owners are respecting the ground boundary, the buildings extend over the wall, further narrowing the passage. If this continues unchecked, the lane could become impassable for large vehicles. In an emergency, lives could be lost simply because help cannot get through. This is not just a planning issue; it is a serious public safety risk.
I have drafted a petition and will be gathering signatures from neighbors by the close of day. We intend to address it to the Accra Director of Fire Service, the Ablekuma North Municipal Chief Executive, and our Assemblyman. We hope the relevant authorities will act swiftly to prevent further encroachment and restore safe access to the lane.
Mama Moli, Darkuman
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Every child, including those with disabilities, has the fundamental right to elementary education and training, enabling them to develop their maximum potential and become self-reliant.
Unfortunately, despite provisions in the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715), children with limb deformities are often denied admission to schools due to their physical conditions, even when they show eagerness and capability to learn.
Limb deformities refer to abnormalities related to the growth and development of the arms or legs. As a result, parents of affected children are advocating for an increase in trained teachers and the provision of facilities in schools to accommodate these learners.
A parent shared with The Spectator that his daughter is highly talented but is being denied admission due to her disability. He also noted the difficulties in accessing health care for children with limb deformities. Another parent highlighted the emotional toll, stating that children are often teased or mocked by peers, leading to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, over 90% of children with disabilities in low-income countries do not attend school.
The concerns of parents are backed by Ghanaian law, including the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560), and the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715). These laws guarantee children with disabilities the right to education, non-discrimination, dignity, social participation, special care, and protection from exploitation and abuse.
Despite these legal protections, implementation gaps due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement continue to deny many children access to education.
Many children can benefit from simple accommodations and modifications in schools, while others may require specialized, individualized support from special education professionals to help them learn and thrive.
Parents play a pivotal role as primary caregivers and advocates, supporting their children’s independence, encouraging mobility, and assisting with practical tasks.
It is also crucial for the government to provide social support by establishing more specialized orthopedic hospitals across the country to ease the burden on parents.
Addressing these barriers ensures that children with disabilities can participate in education and develop holistically, fulfilling their potential while contributing meaningfully to society.
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