Pregnant and Dating: The New Season of Ghana’s Unscripted Soap Opera

On a recent Friday afternoon, Nhyira FM’s Obra show revealed serious issues in society. The show, hosted by Ohemaa Benewaa, uncovered moral confusion and paternity problems.

A new trend has emerged in Ghana: the Multiplying Baby Daddies Syndrome (MBDS). This phenomenon involves unborn children having multiple potential fathers. According to the Obra report, 80% of family cases this year involved paternity disputes.

Women today seem to know their midwives better than their partners. Young ladies are reportedly dating while already pregnant. They are writing love letters even as they prepare for motherhood.

In Ejisu, a town known for its history, the focus has shifted from battles to maternity wards. Esi Nyamekye’s 16-year-old daughter named one man as her child’s father. However, DNA testing proved him not to be the father.

The girl then listed three more candidates, each hoping to avoid responsibility. Ejisu now faces a different kind of battle—one of accountability.

Next is Kasoa, where drama unfolds daily. Justina Bafar left her husband while expecting twins and found love again. Her new partner accepted the twins without question but later learned he was not their biological father.

When DNA results arrived, he was shocked. Meanwhile, Justina's ex-husband has locked his heart away after her betrayal.

In Nahinso, a 15-year-old girl claimed she was raped by a local pastor. DNA tests cleared him of any wrongdoing. Determined not to be fatherless, she named another man who was also cleared by DNA testing.

This situation challenges traditional narratives about virginity and parenthood in Ghanaian culture. Panelists on the Obra show discussed these issues passionately.

Big Mama highlighted poverty and absent parenting as major factors contributing to these problems. She emphasized that many poor families successfully raise children without needing court intervention.

Evangelist Degraft Addae reminded listeners that tradition disapproves of women dating multiple men during pregnancy. The audience reacted strongly to these discussions.

A child rights advocate called in with urgent questions about parental responsibility and values in society. He lamented that this isn’t just a decline; it’s a free fall into chaos.

Ghana once valued communal responsibility where relatives helped guide children’s morals. Now, DNA tests have replaced traditional wisdom regarding parentage.

Children often don’t know their fathers unless it’s confirmed through official documents. This raises critical questions about societal changes in Ghana.

Have we traded parental guidance for social media trends? Are economic struggles reshaping our values? Are we so entertained by scandals that we overlook their seriousness?

The Obra show reflects not only on young girls’ stories but on all of us as well. Ohemaa Benewaa ended with a poignant question: “What would you do if your partner named three other men?”

Many might reach for holy water or legal advice first—but deeper reflection is needed too. We must examine failing social structures like broken homes and silent churches.

Until we restore our values instead of merely discussing them, we risk raising children who view morality as outdated and relationships as negotiable.

As an elder's proverb states: “If the roots rot, the leaves will gossip about the wind.”

Ghana's roots are decaying while children search for direction amid neglect. It is time to nurture our foundations before everything collapses.