Dear ObaaYaa,

Our daughter is a third -year student in one of the Senior High Schools in the country and we have the conviction that she will complete with good grades.

Unfortunately, we have received information from the school authorities that our daughter is four months pregnant and it is prudent to inform us.

Though the school authorities have not suggested any solution to the problem, neighbours and some friends who have heard about the case have asked that we should quietly abort the pregnancy for our daughter to continue her education without interruption.

They argue that since she is too young, she may probably not be capable of taking good care of the baby by herself. They say we should consider the education of our daughter more important so we should safeguard her future.

Though my religion forbids abortion, l am of the view that our daughter is not old enough to bear the pressure of motherhood, therefore, she should be assisted in this case.

Is my opinion good or appropriate? I wish to hear from you.

Joseph, Accra.

Dear Joseph,

I quite agree with you that education is one of the best gifts parents must give their children in order to sustain their future. Additionally, parents have the responsibility to ensure that they train their children to receive good moral education which is also a necessary requirement for the development of children in the future.

However, this should not be an excuse for you to abort the pregnancy, secondly, your religion forbids it. In order not to attract the wrath of God, ignore the promptings from others and allow your daughter to give birth.

Your wife should take care of the grandchild after some period to enable your daughter to return to school since you value education.

Do not tamper with the life of that innocent child since you do not know what that child will become in future.