Premarital Sex among JHS Students in Ashanti Region of Ghana: Some Lessons for Christian Advocacy

Abstract

Youth engagement in premarital sexual practice is reported to be increasing globally. This is not different in Ghana. In Ghana, the Ashanti Region is reported to have the highest rate of teenage pregnancy. This presupposes the prevalence of premarital sexual practice among the youth in the region. The study sought to assess the prevalence of premarital sexual practices among Junior High students in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and the factors accounting for that in order to suggest some lessons for Christian advocacy. The study used the Trede Adventist Junior High School as a case study. The descriptive-analytical method was used to discuss the data collected. The study uncovered that premarital sexual practice is prevalent among students of the Trede Adventist JHS. Peer pressure, poverty, poor parenting, dating, sexual urge, covetousness, media, lack of sex education and drug abuse were mentioned as the influencing factors. The study observed that there is a need for Christian advocacy in arresting this premarital sex menace, and this could be done through the provision of sex education and counselling services, education and awareness creation, job creation and provision of scholarships. This study provides insight into the construction of public theology for youth on similar issues. Keywords: Ghana, Premarital sex, influencing Factors, Youth, Christian Advocacy