Founder and President of Girls’ Global Initiative, Philomena Ofori Larbi, has called for stronger protection and support systems for girls following new adolescent pregnancy figures in Ghana.

Ghana recorded 53,415 adolescent pregnancies at health facilities between January and July 2026, including 1,501 involving girls aged 10 to 14, according to data from the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

The figures were disclosed at a National Multisectoral Dialogue on the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy held in Accra.

Reacting to the figures, Ms Ofori Larbi said the numbers should not be treated merely as statistics but should prompt deeper questions about the circumstances surrounding the pregnancies and the systems available to protect vulnerable girls.

“We must reach girls before they become statistics,” she said, stressing the need for parents, schools, communities, government institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen efforts to protect girls.

She questioned the circumstances behind the pregnancies, particularly those involving younger adolescents, and called for greater attention to the boys and men involved. She also raised concerns about possible cases of rape and sexual abuse and whether affected girls have access to safe spaces, trusted adults, counselling and reporting mechanisms.

The Founder and President of the Girls’ Global Initiative (GGI) further urged families to create environments where girls can speak openly about their experiences without fear of judgement. She also called on schools to become safe spaces where students can report concerns and receive appropriate support.

The GHS has identified education, access to information and services, gender and social norms, and poverty as interconnected factors associated with adolescent pregnancy. Stakeholders have also highlighted the need for stronger implementation, coordination, resources and accountability in addressing the issue.

The GHS says its Safety Net intervention provides adolescent-friendly health services, sexual and reproductive health education, psychosocial support, referrals and links to social protection. Pregnant adolescents may also receive support to return to school where their circumstances permit.

Ms Ofori Larbi said such interventions were important but stressed the need to ensure that vulnerable girls can actually access them. She said Ghana must focus not only on preventing adolescent pregnancy but also on protecting girls from exploitation and abuse and supporting those who become pregnant to continue pursuing their education and aspirations.