Director-General of the National Service Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, has said she became a mother at age 19 while waiting to enter university, describing the experience as difficult and cautioning young women against following a similar path.
Speaking in an interview with MzGee, Seddoh explained that she became pregnant shortly after completing secondary school, while she was preparing to transition to tertiary education.
“I was 19. I had completed school, my results had come in, and I gave birth while waiting to enrol in the university,” she said.
She noted that the period was marked by uncertainty, particularly in the early stages when she had not yet informed her parents.
“I didn’t know what to do… I didn’t know how to tell them,” she said, adding that her parents eventually noticed changes and confronted her.
According to her, their response played a decisive role in how events unfolded. Rather than reacting harshly, they chose to support her and encouraged her to continue her education.
“My parents were extremely supportive. My mom was there through it all… they made me understand that life must continue,” she said.
Seddoh returned to school shortly after childbirth, combining academic work with the demands of caring for a newborn. She described that period as one of the most physically demanding phases of her life.
“Throughout the night, I had to breastfeed and take care of the baby… then during the day I had to go to school. Sometimes I would be in class and I’m sleeping because I’m so tired,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she continued her education and later built a career in politics, rising through student leadership roles and party structures before she was appointed Director-General of the National Service Authority—the first woman to hold the position.
However, she stressed that her personal outcome should not be interpreted as justification for early pregnancy.
“I don’t want any young person to go through this experience. If it’s time for you to go to school, focus on your education… be responsible,” she said.
Her comments come at a time when teenage pregnancy continues to pose challenges for education systems across Ghana, with stakeholders frequently raising concerns about its impact on girls’ long-term opportunities.
Watch the full interview below.
