Dear Obaa Yaa,

I am a 32-year- old graduate from one of the universities in Ghana. I deem it necessary to sound a word of caution to young ladies to concentrate on whatever they are doing and not to follow boys.

I was in love with one of my course mates though we were careful not to indulge in sex, we got to a point where complacency took the greater part of us and l got pregnant.

My pregnancy took me by surprise and the serene academic environment suddenly changed and l became confused.

In my confused state l considered many options but the need to cause abortion was on top of the list. Since l was at home when the pregnancy set in, my mother did not find it difficult to discover the mess l had landed in.

The cunning way she posed the question to me made it impossible for me to deny. With this discovery l decided to maintain the pregnancy and defer my course.

Though my boyfriend was not financially sound, l accepted odd jobs to enable me to go through the period until l was delivered of my baby.

Fortunately, my mother took care of my child while l returned to school and successfully completed with a good grade.

However, l must warn that it was not easy since l put a lot of stress on myself and on my parents.

I wish to advise young girls to concentrate on their studies and refrain from engaging in pre-marital sex, since this could end their education forever.

Beatrice, Accra.

Dear Beatrice,

Experience is the best teacher and it is good to share your bitter experience with young girls who are growing and likely to pass through the problem you had.

You are lucky to have parents who were considerate and accepted despite the problem. I think it is essential to take her advice since you may not be as fortunate as she was.

Concentrate on your studies to avert embarrassment from boyfriends some of whom may disown the pregnancy and make you look disappointed before your parents.