Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed worry over a rapid increase in teenage pregnancy caused mostly by some teachers and other reputable professionals.
The MPs want harsh punishments meted out to culprits, especially teachers who take advantage of their vulnerable female students and impregnate them.
The outcry follow a statement on the floor of parliament by Gomoa Central MP, Naana Eyiah, who decried the increasing number of teenagers being impregnated by teachers in schools in the Central Region and the country at large.
Contributing to the discussion in parliament on Wednesday June 28, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem MP, Samuel Atta Mills, gave a breakdown of the professionals that impregnate young students.
He said records, from July to December 2016 show there were 5,106 teenage pregnancies recorded. 430 were between 13 to 15, and 4682 between 16-19.
Samuel Atta Mills also disclosed that “When you look at those who impregnated these children, primary school teachers were 301, tertiary school teachers were 48, small-scale farmers were 986, large-scale farmers were 62, fishermen were 295, clerical officers 1, health workers 1, lawyers 4, engineers 11, drivers 676, masons 232, students 187, carpenters 93, traders 173, motor bike riders 35, galamsey workers 397.
He observed the increasing number of teenage pregnancy in the Central region and Ghana at large is as a result of high unemployment rate in the country
Mr. Atta Mills called on the Ghana Education Service to ensure teachers found culpable are dealt with according to the law, especially those that impregnate pupils under 16.