In 2023, Good Neighbours UK and Good Neighbors Ghana began working with the University of Manchester on a research partnership to understand and address the causes of teenage pregnancy in the Akatsi North District of Ghana’s Volta Region.
The baseline study identified the social and economic factors most closely linked to early pregnancy, including peer pressure, poverty, and limited knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. Building on those findings, the project introduced a series of social engagement programmes (Children’s Clubs, health workshops, and vocational skills training).
In early 2025, the University of Manchester’s research team, led by Prof. Wendy Olsen and colleagues Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, Jihye Kim, Harshada Ambekar, Sonny McCann and Mindy Park, returned to Akatsi North with GN Ghana and GNUK to carry out a follow-up survey and focus-group discussions with students, teachers, and community members. This research was supported by the International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF).
The study found clear progress in attitudes and expectations. Students who took part in the Child Club activities now expect to have children later in life (typically between the ages of 26 and 30) showing a marked shift from the 20–25 age range recorded in 2023. The same pattern was observed for expected age of marriage.
Participants also showed greater understanding of sexual and reproductive health and stronger confidence in discussing it. Teachers and community leaders described the clubs and vocational workshops as valuable, practical ways to build skills and self-esteem. At the same time, the researchers caution that change will take time. Factors such as peer influence, household poverty, and cultural attitudes toward family planning continue to shape young people’s choices. Proving lasting reductions in early pregnancy will require sustained community engagement and longer-term monitoring
The project team extends particular thanks to the University of Manchester for its academic leadership and analysis, Good Neighbors Ghana for field coordination and programme delivery, and Good Neighbours UK for technical guidance and partnership support.
For the full follow-up report—“Effect of Social Engagements on the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy in Akatsi North District, Volta Region, Ghana” (2025) please enter your name and email below and we will send you the link.
Marc Greene (Chief Executive
Canopi Foundation & Education Saves Lives) with Zarina Douglas-Sori, Chief Executive, Good Neighbours UK
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