Over 4,000 teenage pregnancies in Oti Region prompt need for okada riders’ support to combat it.
In response to the alarming rise in teenage pregnancy cases in the Oti Region, with over 4,000 reported between 2023 and August 2024, okada riders in the Krachi East Municipality have been enlisted to help address the crisis. This initiative is led by the Oti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ORCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the Social Welfare Department, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The campaign seeks to leverage the influence of okada riders, who interact frequently with community members, particularly the youth. These riders are being called upon to raise awareness, promote education, and engage in discussions aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies in the region. The increasing number of teenage pregnancies poses a significant threat to the health, education, and economic opportunities of young girls in the area.
At a sensitization workshop held in Dambai, Juliet Akorfa Akorlie, the Adolescent Focal Person in Krachi East, encouraged the okada riders to actively engage in conversations with young people about sexual health and responsible behaviour. She highlighted the need for riders to help steer teens away from risky situations and guide them towards making informed choices.
Akorlie emphasized that the consequences of teenage pregnancies extend beyond health, severely affecting the educational and economic aspects of young mothers. She urged the participants to share information about resources available in the community, such as counseling services and health clinics, which provide reproductive health education and support.
In response to the call, the okada riders expressed their readiness to be part of the effort to combat teenage pregnancy. They committed to using their influence within their communities to educate young girls and help mitigate the growing issue. The riders hope their active involvement will contribute to lowering the rates of teenage pregnancies in the region, ensuring a brighter future for the youth.
