It has been suggested that for the best results, women—especially young women—should become pregnant while they are at their healthiest.
The ideal age for starting a family in a healthy way is between 24 and 34.
Dr. Leticia Adelaide Appiah, the National Population Council's executive director, also stated in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra that 14% of the population of the nation were young moms.
But she said that it was a significant social and health concern for the nation because early pregnancy caused serious health difficulties for both the mother and the child.
Early pregnancy, according to medical professionals and reproductive health specialists, limits women's possibilities for further education and work.
She believed that a healthy populace was essential for the nation's sustained development.
human resources
To hasten the development of the country, Dr. Appiah emphasised the need to invest in human capital, stating that "the growth of a nation is primarily based on the skills of the youth."
"It is human capital that will transform the natural capital for use, so if you have a country where your 10-year-olds are giving birth, you cannot be said to have developed intellectually to harness the natural resources," the economist continued.
Dr. Appiah thus advocated for the state to allocate a percentage of tax funds to support adolescent moms and their offspring.
Self-esteem
Dr. Appiah, who was honoured with the Order of the Volta (Companion) Award for her dedication, perseverance, and exceptional work as a member of the National COVID-19 Task Force, emphasised the significance of helping adolescent girls build their self-esteem.
Therefore, she advised parents to instil in their kids the characteristics they need to develop self-confidence, stating that "esteem and self-esteem come from home."
Young girls should have self-esteem because, even if they lack literacy, they will fare better in life's decisions if they do.
Dr. Appiah said, "Young girls with self-esteem do not permit themselves to be treated in any manner because they have a feeling of value in themselves.
She pleaded with parents to teach their sons to treat women with respect and to shield them from any type of molestation.
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