Against The Odds: Lupe’s Journey from Teenage Pregnancy to University

By Celestina Sinoha Cheba

In Equatorial Guinea, where dreams often collide with harsh realities, Lupe Bohari, at the tender age of 16, was grappling with an unexpected turn in her life. Living with her father and stepmother, she was abruptly uprooted from her familiar surroundings and sent off to Ghana to pursue her secondary education at Action Senior High School in Medina.

Unaware at the time, a tiny life was budding within her.

“I initially did not realize I was pregnant,” Lupe explained. “I continued to have my period. As time went on, I noticed that my belly was growing bigger, but I was hesitant to share this with anyone, including my father, out of fear of his reaction.”

The corridors of Action Senior High painted a vivid backdrop as Lupe plunged herself into her studies however, unaware that a shift was about to shape her path.

Three months into her stay, a call reverberated through the stillness, unraveling a secret that would shatter the peace. Her pregnancy, concealed behind a veil of fear and uncertainty, came to light.

“My uncle in Ghana, Cristino, received a call from the school, revealing my pregnancy. He, in turn, informed my father. Upon learning of the situation, my father instructed my uncle to take me to the hospital for a possible abortion.”

The doctor at the hospital informed them that an abortion was not viable because Lupe was already six months pregnant. Given the circumstance, Lupe’s father had no choice but to have her return to Equatorial Guinea to complete her pregnancy and give birth there.

According to UNICEF statistics, in Ghana, 76 per 1000 births are born by teenage mothers between the ages of 15 and 19 years old. The link between adolescent pregnancy and school dropout rates is well documented, and up to a third of girls who leave school early report the decision is due to pregnancy.

For Lupe, it was a journey back home, where the familiar sights of Equatorial Guinea embraced her with a mix of comfort and uncertainty. Before her lay the formidable task of bearing the fruit of her hidden secret and finding redemption in the eyes of her father.

In a poignant exchange with her uncle and her best friend back in Ghana on the eve of her departure to her home town, Lupe bared her soul, recounting the fear and apprehension that had cloaked her silence, and her reluctance to share the burden she carried within.

“The truth is, I kept the pregnancy a secret out of fear of my father’s reaction. But back home, I expressed regret for the pain I caused him. And I promised him I will make it right,” explained Lupe.

The turning point arrived with the birth of her healthy baby boy, Michael, marking a new chapter in her tale of resilience and determination. Her father, recognizing the unwavering spirit within his daughter, extended a lifeline of opportunity, urging her to return to Ghana to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

But it came with a caveat, a challenge to balance the pursuit of education with the responsibilities of motherhood.

Undeterred by the shadows of her past, the stigma of teenage pregnancy and the ridicule of her mates, Lupe embarked on a journey fueled by a deep-seated desire to carve a better future for herself and her son. With unwavering determination, she steered her course through the challenging tides of academia, eventually passing her WASSCE and finding herself at the Methodist University, where the study of nursing became her beacon of hope. She just turned 18 on June 8, focusing on her studies and enjoying her hobby, listening to music.

Her sights set on securing a promising future back in Equatorial Guinea, she has been toiling tirelessly, each step a testament to her unyielding resilience and unshakeable spirit.

Lupe’s story echoes far beyond the confines of her personal struggles. It serves as a resounding call to support and uplift those who find themselves at the crossroads of adversity and opportunity. Her journey stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of societal stigma and personal setbacks, the pursuit of education and dreams must never waver.

Lupe’s unwavering resolve stands as an inspiration for countless others, urging them to persevere and emerge stronger from life’s trials.

Organizations like CAMFED Ghana work to support the most marginalized girls to finish secondary school, and through their transition programs, help them into employment or further education and training. Other regional charities like the Volta Educational Renaissance Foundation (VEReF)  are gearing up to reduce teenage pregnancy and child marriage in the Volta and other regions through the implementation of various strategies and programs.