The District Health Promotion Officer of Atiwa West, Kwaku Badu, has blamed illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, for the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the area.
Speaking during a health screening and community durbar with school children, Badu said several communities in the district were experiencing high rates of STIs and teenage pregnancies.
In a metrotvonline.com report on June 26, 2025, he attributed this worrying trend to the social and economic consequences of galamsey, which he said often expose young people to risky behaviours.
As part of measures to curb the menace, health clubs have been established in schools to raise awareness about reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, and STIs.
