The role of the church in curbing teenage pregnancy in Ghana: a study of selected Pentecostal churches in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district

Abstract

The mere mention of the phrase teenage pregnancy in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district in the Central Region of Ghana brings into memories the loss of potential talents due to disruption in their educational undertaking and welfare dependency load on the people in the district due to disruption in professional careers. Thus using the across methodological triangulation method mainly through interview and questionnaire, this study sought to find out the exact roles Churches can play in keeping a tight rein on this menace. This study also critically examined the causes, effects, and most importantly, the role that the churches play in the curbing of teenage pregnancy in Ghana using selected Pentecostal churches as a case study. The study found that the incidence of teenage pregnancy largely depends on the behaviour of the people in a particular location. Consequently, such a conclusion was reached because of the incidence and effects of teenage pregnancy on the society and the preventive measures that have been put into place by the three selected Pentecostal churches. In view of this, it is recommended that the Pentecostal churches should motivate teenagers to study and apply the Bible and read other Christian literature. The Churches must purposively target to educate the people, especially the youth, on sexual education