Back-to-School campaign not helping pregnant girls

The National Council of Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) is calling on the Ministry of Education to review its Back-to-School campaign, arguing that the initiative may be doing more harm than good.

The campaign was designed to allow pregnant girls and adolescent mothers to return to school. However, Irene Sam, Public Relations Officer of the PTA Council, believes the program is encouraging more girls to take risks, knowing they can resume school afterward.

Speaking on the Akoma Mu Ns3m show with Beatrice Spio-Garbrah on Akoma 87.9 FM, she said,

“The Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service need to revisit the policy. It is giving many girls the wrong impression, that they can get pregnant and still continue school without consequence.”

Sam stressed that the dangers and long-term effects of teenage pregnancy are too severe to ignore. She believes the campaign sends the wrong message and undermines preventive education.

She added that the PTA is committed to working with the Ghana Education Service and the Education Ministry to promote abstinence and self-worth among young girls.

“We must teach girls the value of education, self-respect, and the importance of abstaining from sex until they are ready,” she said. “We’ll continue engaging the authorities to reassess the campaign, as we believe it’s not serving its purpose.”