In response to the alarming rise of over 4,000 teenage pregnancy cases in the Oti Region from 2023 to August 2024, okada riders in the Krachi East Municipality have been called upon to assist in addressing the crisis.
This initiative, driven by the Oti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ORCC) in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Social Welfare Department, with support from UNFPA, aims to leverage the influence of okada riders to raise awareness and promote education among the youth.
The growing number of teenage pregnancies poses a significant threat to the health, education, and economic opportunities of young girls in the region.
At a sensitization workshop in Dambai, the Adolescent Focal Person in Krachi East, Juliet Akorfa Akorlie encouraged the riders to engage in conversations about sexual health and responsible behaviour to help steer teens away from risky situations.
Juliet Akorlie stressed that teenage pregnancies have severe implications beyond health, affecting the long-term educational and economic potential of young mothers.
She urged participants to spread information on available resources, including counseling services and health clinics, to provide young girls with the support they need for reproductive health education.
In response, the okada riders expressed their willingness to contribute to the fight against teenage pregnancy.
They committed to using their influence within their communities to guide and educate young girls, aiming to be part of the solution to this growing issue.