The Upper East Regional Department of Gender, in collaboration with the Regional Coordinating Council, has intensified the campaign against child marriage in the area.
The effort, which targeted families, community leaders, men, boys, women, and girls, formed part of a strategic and sustained fight against the incidence of child marriage, which continues to hinder the growth and development of young people, especially adolescent girls.
The campaign, with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), forms part of the implementation of the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Joint Programme to End Child Marriage.
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The Joint Programme is designed to work with various countries and stakeholders to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Target 5.3, which aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including child marriage, by 2030.
Using the Child Marriage Advocacy Toolkit, the initiative aimed to deepen awareness about the negative consequences of child marriage and promote community-driven solutions to protect the rights and future of girls.
The sensitisation drive reached 240 participants, comprising girls, boys, adult men, and adult women, in six districts: Bawku West, Kassena-Nankana West, Builsa South, Bongo, Nabdam, and Talensi.
The sessions featured interactive tools, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, group dialogues, role-playing exercises, and community experience sharing, all designed to foster critical discussions around child marriage and girls’ empowerment.
The sessions were expected to result in increased community awareness, a shift in harmful gender norms, and the strengthening of community-led strategies to prevent early marriages.
Mr James Twene, the Acting Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Gender, underscored the need to end child marriage in all its forms to empower girls and urged stakeholders to join the movement for a better future.
“Child marriage continues to deny many of our girls their right to education and a future of their own choosing,” said Mr Twene, adding, “By bringing families and communities into the conversation, we are breaking the silence and driving change.
“We urge all stakeholders, including community leaders, parents, men, boys, women, and girls, to participate in these sensitisation sessions and join the movement to end child marriage. Together, we can create a society that values and empowers girls, ensuring they could reach their full potential.”
Participants welcomed the initiative; shared insights gained from the engagement and pledged their commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of the canker and the need to end the practice.
Mr Vincent Abe-ena, a community member and leader of the Men and Boys Club at Mirigu in the Kassena-Nankana West District, said, “I never knew child marriage had such severe consequences on girls’ health and education. I’m grateful for this opportunity to learn and make a difference.”
Mr Alfred Kurug Akpamah, the Assembly Member for Piitanga, lauded the initiative and pledged to support it saying, “wmWe are committed to ending child marriage in our community. These sensitisation sessions will help us understand the issue better and take collective action to prevent it.”
Naba Anaba Kolog, Chief of the Piitanga Community in the Nabdam District, emphasised, “as a community leader, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of child marriage. I’m excited to work with your department to raise awareness and promote girls’ education.”
GNA
