Accra:Stakeholders in education, child protection, and youth development have called for zero tolerance towards child marriage, highlighting its detrimental impact on girls' education, health, and future prospects.
According to Ghana News Agency, a program held in Accra to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, themed 'End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights,' saw participants urging community leaders, parents, and educational institutions to collaborate in protecting girls and prioritizing education over early marriage. The event gathered officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES), development partners, civil society organizations, teachers, and students to discuss measures to eliminate child marriage, tackle sexual harassment in schools, and empower girls through education.
Participating schools included Accra High School, Labone Senior High School, Accra Girls' Senior High School, and the host institution, Forces Senior High Technical School. Organized by CAMFED Ghana in partnership with the GES, the event aimed to raise awareness about child marriage dangers and promote girls' rights.
Madam Habiba Kotonah, Director of the La Dade-Kotopon Directorate of the GES, emphasized the Service's strict no-tolerance policy for child marriage, stating that early marriage truncates girls' dreams and jeopardizes their health and future. She advocated for investing in girls' rights by supporting their education and ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
Madam Gifty Asiedu, Director of the Girls' Education Unit of the GES, acknowledged Ghana's progress in girls' education but noted that child marriage and teenage pregnancy still hinder many girls from completing their schooling. She highlighted the need for collective action to end child marriage and create safe, child-friendly schools.
Madam Emelia Ayipio Asamoah from the Mastercard Foundation encouraged girls to be aware of their rights and seize available opportunities, emphasizing the importance of mentors and skill-building. She underscored the need for girls to become leaders and agents of positive change for stronger, more inclusive communities.
Madam Fairuz Abdul-Rasheed Safian, Executive Director of CAMFED Ghana, asserted that girls deserve a childhood free from child marriage, quality education, and the freedom to shape their futures. She called for strengthened collaboration to protect girls and ensure access to opportunities for their full potential.
Participants also addressed sexual harassment in schools and the influence of social media on young people, stressing the importance of safe learning environments. Students pledged to act as ambassadors against child marriage and advocate for girls' education and equal opportunities within their communities.