Abstract:
The study explored the experiences of adolescent student mothers at Bawjiase Senior
High School in the Central Region of Ghana. Using purposive and snowballing
sampling technique, twelve teenage student mothers, five teachers, and five parents
were sampled for the study. Data was collected using interviews guide and data
collected was thematically analysed. The study findings highlight the absence of
comprehensive sex education, economic pressure, negative peer influence, negative
cultural norms, indecent exposure to social media and mental health issues as some of
the factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy. Based on the research results, it was
suggested that the provision of counselling, accommodation for teachers to help easy
monitoring of students in the boarding house, peer support networks, stream-lined readmission
processes and family collaboration to minimize the effect on adolescent
mothers. It is suggested that Ghana Education Service through the heads of institution
implement comprehensive sex education programs and use flexible timetable to make
room for student mothers. Moreover, Non-Governmental organisations should
collaborate with the Ministry of Education and The Girl Child Education of the
Ghana Education Service to establish external support systems that provide the
necessary assistance to adolescent mothers who return to school after child birth.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Social Studies Education,
Faculty of Social Science Education, submitted to the
School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment
of the requirement for award of degree
Master of Philosophy
(Social Studies)
University of Education, Winneba
JUNE, 2025