Use Films To Fight Teenage Pregnancy Gloria Sarfo To Filmmakers

Ghanaian actress and TV personality, Gloria Sarfo, has expressed concern over the alarming numbers of teenage pregnancy cases in the country and called on moviemakers and fellow celebrities to use their various platforms to address the problem.

Data from the Ghana Health Service reads that last year alone, 102,673 teenagers were reported pregnant and Ms Sarfo voiced out the need to fight the trend.

Looking at the far-reaching consequences of teenage pregnancy on the young people involved, their families and the country as a whole, she urged creatives, particularly filmmakers to leverage their influence to complement the government and other stakeholders’ efforts in tackling the problem.

Speaking exclusively to Graphic Showbiz after the premiere of the documentary ‘Unexpected’ by Elsie Production, which touches on teenage pregnancy, Ms Sarfo maintained that collective action is crucial not only to decrease but potentially eradicate it.

“According to the Ghana Health Service data, 102,673 teenagers got pregnant in 2022 and that is very worrying. I will plead with our filmmakers, fellow celebrities with huge influence, and those on various social media platforms to use our voices and platforms to address this issue. Let us support the government in fighting this problem that is plaguing our country”, she stated.

Proposing a tactic for filmmakers to contribute effectively, the Efiewura actress suggested they come out with works that delve into the obstacles and factors contributing to teenage pregnancy. They should also raise awareness and encourage discussions on how to collectively address the issue.

"We can't sit back as creatives with influential platforms and voices and look on as cases of teenage pregnancy soar, we have a pivotal role to play. We need to address this issue that is destroying the lives of our young ones, who are the future leaders of our country. Let’s come together to fight this canker," she explained.

Also, Ms Sarfo implored stakeholders to embrace persons in the limelight and other creatives who are interested in collaborating with them to address such pressing issues and emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment where these individuals would feel acknowledged and welcomed.