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Community introduces 300 cedi fine targeted at teachers who impregnate schoolgirls

After these fines are paid, the offending man would then be handed over the police for prosecution under various charges including defilement of a child.

The by-law would see men who impregnate girls pay a fine of 250 cedis while teachers who impregnate their students would be fined 300 cedis. The men would also bear the cost of pre and post-natal care of mother and child, an amount to be determined by the girl’s family.

The by-law was promulgated by community members in their bid to stamp out a surge in teenage pregnancy within the community. It is aimed that the threat of fines would serve as a strong deterrent for predatory men in the community. According to the community, 15 girls, between the ages of 14 and 16 had to drop out of school in the last academic year because of teenage pregnancy.

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The by-law also mandates organisers of entertainment events such as weddings and outdoorings to close their activities by 7PM or also face a fine. That is because according to the community, these events had been breeding grounds for sexual activity between adults and young girls.

According to Yakubu Dokugu, the spokesperson for the chief of Gnani, a violation to these new by-laws would be viewed as an upfront to the Gnani skin and offenders would be severely punished.

A child protection club has also been set up by a non-governmental organisation in schools within the area to educate students about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

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