From “Laptops” to Lasting Change: How Community Action is Rewriting the Story of Teenage Pregnancy in Ghana
Jato Village, in Ghana’s Eastern Region, recently witnessed a remarkable turnaround. For years, a heartbreaking cycle of exploitation and teenage pregnancy gripped the community, fueled by poverty and a disturbing trend: okada riders (motorbike taxi men) offering packs of Indomie noodles – nicknamed “laptops” due to their packaging – in exchange for sexual favors. This practice, as reported on February 21, 2026, by GhanaWeb and Graphic Online, has been dramatically curtailed thanks to a targeted intervention.
The “Laptop” Trap: A Symptom of Deeper Issues
The situation in Jato wasn’t simply about noodles. It was a consequence of families struggling to provide basic necessities like food, sanitary pads, and school supplies. Girls, lacking support at home, turned to okada riders for assistance. The riders exploited this vulnerability, using the readily available and affordable Indomie as bait. As Chief Baffour Teitey Adjewi Narh III explained, the riders provided food and school needs, creating a dependency that led to sexual exploitation.
The impact was devastating. Teenage pregnancies soared, with pregnant girls even taking their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The cycle seemed unbreakable until the introduction of Plan International Ghana’s “Rooting for Change” project in 2024, funded by Tony’s Chocolonely.
Rooting for Change: A Multi-Pronged Approach
The Rooting for Change project didn’t just address the immediate issue of the “laptop” exchange. It implemented a comprehensive strategy focused on empowerment and prevention. A key component was the formation of a Community Child Protection and Labour Committee (CCPLC). This committee engaged parents, educating them about their responsibilities towards their children. Crucially, the project also empowered young people, teaching them about their rights and providing them with avenues to report abuse.
The project fostered a shift in community dynamics. Girls and boys now perceive safe enough to speak up about their problems, a significant change from the past. Even the okada riders themselves have acknowledged the impact. One rider, Ivan Ayivor, noted that girls are no longer actively seeking them out for the noodle handouts.
Beyond Prevention: Empowering a Generation
The project’s success extends beyond simply reducing teenage pregnancies. It has fostered a sense of self-worth and agency among young people. One girl shared that, without the project, she believes she would have had multiple partners. A young boy, who previously acted as a “go-between” connecting riders and girls for a fee, has renounced that behavior, expressing pain at witnessing the practice continue.
The project’s activities – youth clubs, trained peer teachers, girls’ football teams, and engagement with community leaders – have collectively created a supportive environment where young people can thrive. The result? No recorded cases of teenage pregnancy during the 2025 BECE, a testament to the project’s effectiveness.
The Ripple Effect: Lessons for Other Communities
The Jato Village story offers valuable lessons for other communities facing similar challenges. Addressing poverty and vulnerability is paramount. Empowering young people with knowledge of their rights and providing safe spaces for them to voice their concerns are essential. Community-led initiatives, like the CCPLC, are crucial for creating lasting change.
The success in Jato demonstrates that tackling complex social issues requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes and empowers individuals to break free from cycles of exploitation.
FAQ
Q: What were “laptops” in the context of Jato Village?
A: “Laptops” was a nickname given to packs of Indomie noodles as of the way the packaging opens, resembling a laptop screen.
Q: What was the Rooting for Change project?
A: Rooting for Change was a project initiated by Plan International Ghana in 2024, funded by Tony’s Chocolonely, aimed at preventing teenage pregnancies in cocoa villages like Jato.
Q: What role did the Community Child Protection and Labour Committee (CCPLC) play?
A: The CCPLC engaged parents and young people, educating them about their rights and responsibilities, and providing a platform for reporting abuse.
Q: Has the project been successful?
A: Yes, the project has been highly successful. There were no recorded cases of teenage pregnancy during the 2025 BECE.
Did you know? The simple act of providing girls with access to sanitary pads and school supplies can significantly reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
Pro Tip: Community-based interventions are often more effective than top-down approaches because they are tailored to the specific needs and context of the local population.
What are your thoughts on this story? Share your comments below and let us know what initiatives are making a difference in your community!
