The Cape Coast Youth Development Association (CCYDA) has raised concern over the increasing number of teenage mothers in the coastal communities of Cape Coast, warning that the situation is having serious social and economic effects.
According to the Association, many young girls, some still in their teens, are carrying babies, a sign of a worrying cycle of poverty and hardship. They say the trend is leading to school dropouts, poor health for young mothers, and greater financial pressure on families.
Mr Cole Arthur, Organiser of CCYDA, told the Ghana News Agency that teenage pregnancy is not the only problem. He said drug abuse among the youth is also on the rise, with tramadol, “red-red,” and marijuana being the most misused substances.
He explained that many young people use these drugs without knowing the dangers, leading to addiction, mental health problems, and petty crimes. Social media videos of intoxicated youth lying helpless in public, he said, are “disturbing” and damage the image of the community.
Mr Arthur blamed parental neglect, peer pressure, and weak family support for both teenage pregnancy and drug abuse. He noted that without proper guidance and mentorship, many youths look to friends for acceptance, sometimes making risky choices.
He added that stigma and limited access to education make it harder for young people to break free from these challenges.
To address the issue, Mr Arthur called for community support programmes, parental education, and easy access to counselling services. He urged leaders, parents, and policymakers to step up efforts to educate young people on the dangers of drugs, support those struggling with addiction, and take preventive measures against teenage pregnancy.
“Only by tackling these root causes can Ghana unlock the potential of its coastal youth and build stronger, progressive communities,” he said.
