The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through Domestic Violence Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA Ghana has joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on Friday, 6th February 2026 in the Upper West Region.
Organised under the global theme; “Towards 2030: No End to Female Genital Mutilation without Sustained Commitment and Investment,” the purpose of the event was to;
-Enhance awareness regarding the risks associated with FGM
-Amplify youth voices and leadership as critical change agents in challenging the harmful norm and the abandonment of FGM
-Strengthen the engagement with policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and development partners to reinforce political will and resource allocation for ending FGM,
-Support the monitoring and effective implentation of existing national laws, policies, and international commitments related to the elimination of FGM.
Delivering her keynote address on behalf of the Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Director for Domestic Violence Secretariat, Madam Melonin Asibi underscored the urgency of intensifying national efforts to eliminate FGM, describing it as a gross violation of the human rights of women and girls. She noted that while Ghana has made progress through legal reforms, community sensitisation, and survivor support, more coordinated and adequately resourced actions are required to achieve zero tolerance by 2030.
Madam Malonin Asibi called on all stakeholders and community leaders to take action towards ending the heinous act. Ending it is not only a moral obligation but a legal and developmental necessity, she added
Addressing the community members on behalf of the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, ESQ, the
Chief Director for the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Hajia PogNaa Fati Issaka Korey stressed that FGM must not be understood as a cultural matter but a developmental setback that affect families, communities and national progress. She tasked the opinion leaders and the community members to play a critical role in preventing, protecting, and providing survivor support and accountability to enhance social change.
Speaking at the event, the representative from UNFPA, Madam Selina Owusu, pledges the organisation’s continues support for the Ministry and DV Secretariat to strengthen community monitoring and integrate FGM prevention into health and education services to sustain Ghana’s progress
The commemoration featured talks on FGM health and human rights perspectives, survivor testimonies, cultural performances with anti-FGM messages, and exhibitions showcasing community-led initiatives promoting alternative rites of passage.
The international day of Zero Tolerance for FGM observed provided a strategic platform to galvanise action, strengthen accountability, and renew collective commitment to ending the practice.
