The Ashanti and Eastern Regions have been reported to have the highest levels of sexual activities amongst underaged adolescents in Ghana.
According to a report released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), sexual activities amongst underaged female adolescents is high in the Ashanti Region, while the Eastern Region has the highest rate of underaged sexual activities amongst males.
In the Ashanti Region, three districts recorded overly high rates of underaged sex. Akrofuom leads with a staggering 42.0%, followed closely by Amansie South with 41.4% and Amansie Central with 40.9%.
From the report, a large percentage of female adolescents (aged 16 to 19) engaging in sexual activity before reaching the age of 16.
In the Eastern Region, the districts with the highest rates of underaged sex amongst males are; Upper Manya Krobo, which recorded the highest rate, with 35.7% of male adolescents engaging in underage sex, Atiwa West followed closely, with a rate of 35.0%, while Upper West Akim also recorded a rate of 34.5%.
The data report was shared by the GSS during the release of the District Level Reports on Utilisation of Maternal Healthcare Services and Adolescent Risky Sexual Behaviour, in Accra.
Assistant Chief Statistician with Programs Monitoring/Evaluation Directorate, GSS, Dr. Kobina Abaka Ansah called for interventions to address underaged sexual activities in Ghana.
