A study conducted by the Central Region office of the National Youth Authority (NYA) has revealed that the majority of perpetrators of teen pregnancy, child marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence are commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders.
The research was initiated following reports of rising incidents of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the region.
Mrs. Anita Nana Seguah Ansah, Central Regional Director of the NYA, shared these findings during a one-day training of trainers workshop for tricycle and motorcycle riders.
The workshop aimed to educate them on the adverse effects of teen pregnancy, child marriage, and other harmful practices.
Organized by the NYA in collaboration with the Central Regional Coordinating Council and sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the workshop sought to reduce the prevalence of teen pregnancy and child marriage in the region.
Participants were drawn from Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem, Cape Coast, Assin Fosu, Awutu Senya East (Kasoa), Gomoa East, Agona East, and Agona West.
Mrs. Ansah highlighted that the research predominantly implicated tricycle and motorcycle riders.
She expressed hope that these riders would return to their communities as ambassadors, disseminating information to help reduce SGBV, child marriage, and teen pregnancy cases.
Similar workshops have been held in Gomoa West, Cape Coast, and other districts, with feedback indicating an improvement in the situation.
The NYA is committed to replicating these workshops across all districts in the region to reduce SGBV, child marriage, and STIs among the youth.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mrs. Vida Yankey, Agona Swedru District Commander, discussed the causes, effects, and punishments associated with SGBV.
She expressed concern about the high rates of defilement and teen pregnancy in the Swedru Municipality.
ASP Yankey, also the Agona Swedru Divisional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, warned tricycle and motorcycle riders against engaging in such crimes, noting that offenders could face a minimum of 15 years in prison.
The DOVVSU Divisional Coordinator further detailed the punishments for rape, defilement, incest, sexual harassment, and other domestic violence issues, urging riders to desist from such actions to maintain peace.
Peer Educator of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Ms. Abigail Appiah, spoke about STIs, warning riders about the dangers and advising them to use condoms to prevent infections.
She cautioned against self-medication and the excessive intake of antibiotics for STIs, recommending proper treatment at health facilities.
Public Health Nurse at the Agona West Municipal Health Directorate, Mrs. Dorcas Sam-Mensah, urged riders to be responsible and prioritise their health to avoid complications.
She expressed concern over the numerous teen pregnancy cases in the municipality, attributing them to poverty, a lack of education, and inadequate parental care and control.