Adolescent motherhood and its support systems at the Bawjiase Senior High School

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.