Startling numbers of complications from unsafe abortions in Upper West Region

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), is intensifying public education on the need for safe abortions among young women in the Upper West Region.

The Regional Focal Person on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health, Pognaa Rosemary Bangzie, said the Service is startled at the increasing numbers of young women who visit health facilities with complications arising from unsafe abortions.

She said some young women have died from complications, while others have developed permanent medical issues.

Speaking to GBC News on a Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights sensitisation programme in Wa, Pognaa Bangzie admitted that some young women may not know the options available to them concerning reproductive health, hence the need for continued education.

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights sensitization programme was organised by the National Population Council in partnership with the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Tailors and Dressmakers Association.

The programme focused on educating apprentices of tailors and dressmakers on their reproductive health and all options available to them with regard to family planning, emergency contraception and where to seek help to deal with unwanted pregnancies.

Madam Pognaa Rosemary Bangzie said another area of concern is the rising cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections among young people.

The Upper West Regional Population Officer, Salifu Abu said the programme was part of activities the Population Council has undertaken after the celebration of the 2021 World Population Day.

“The Upper West Region continues to record increasing teenage pregnancies because girls do not know their rights and their choices concerning reproductive health,’’ he stated.

Mr. Abu was, however, worried that the Population Council is ill-financed and unable to undertake adequate sensitisation programmes.

“The quality of life in a country is directly connected to population, it is therefore important that young people bring lives into the world only when they are economically sound,’’ he posited.