From Teenage Mother to University Graduate: I got pregnant out of wedlock at 14

My name is Magdaline Walker, and I am a 26-year-old. I was 14 years old when I got pregnant out of wedlock. The guy who impregnated me had lured me as a virgin and taken advantage of me.

This happened in 2012, a year when my family was already broken. I couldn’t share the news with my family because I was severely punished for coming home late from the riverbank. I had no confidant to talk to, as no one was interested in my life – not even my mom or siblings. I am the fifth born among six children.

The man responsible for my pregnancy rejected me, and my family was disappointed in me. I was in Junior High School at the time. I became a school dropout but later forced myself to return to school. I sold oranges and sweets to cater to my personal needs while taking care of my child, who lived with his grandmother after my mom refused to take him in.

I completed Junior High in 2016 and got admission to my first-choice school, Ho Mawuli Senior High, to study Visual Arts. However, I couldn’t attend due to financial constraints. Later, I heard about a new school in my village, Volo, built under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama. I quickly applied and started as a General Arts student with the help of my father’s family.

I successfully completed Senior High School at Volo Community Day Senior High School as one of the best students. I then moved to Accra and applied to the University of Ghana, where I was admitted to study Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in 2019. My aunt paid my fees throughout my studies. Despite financial challenges, I continued to support my son, who now lives with me in Accra.

I am proud to say that I am in my final year at the University of Ghana and will complete my final exams today, August 19, 2024. My journey was not easy, but I persevered because I have the ambition and dream to become an icon for young girls to look up to. I want to inspire young teenage mothers who feel like giving up on their dreams and education. I also encourage parents to be watchful and supportive of their daughters, creating a safe space for them to open up and share their struggles.

Today, I stand as the only one among my siblings who has achieved a tertiary education. I hope my story inspires others to never give up on their dreams.

To conclude, I would like to express my appreciation to those who contributed to my development: Kenneth Gyamerah, Joseph Bless Darkwa, Mathew Tornyeva, Godson Keteni, Emmanuel Nyabledzi, Madam Patricia Asem, and my Pastor, Benjamin Ankrah. I say, God bless you all.