The fight against child marriages in Ghana, particularly in northern Ghana, may not be won before 2030. This is because of the increasing social complexity of the issue. According to data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the current prevalence of child marriages is 3.24 percent. This accounts for a reduction from 5.60 percent in 2000 to 6.35 percent in 2010.
Despite the decline, the prevalence of child marriage stands at 13 percent in the North East Region and 7 percent in the Upper East Region, both above the national average of 4 percent.
AfriKids, a child rights organization headquartered in the Upper East Region, has therefore expanded its work in three districts to help deal with the worrying issues of child marriages in Northern Ghana. The work of AfriKids against child marriages is particularly centered in the Mamprugu Moagduri District in the North East Region and the Builsa South District in the Upper East Region.
AfriKids expressed grave concerns about the negative effects of child marriages on the lives and future prospects of girls.
Linda Marfoh, the Director of Operations at AfriKids, speaking at the 7th Knowledge Sharing Workshop (KSW) in Walewale, North East Region, called for concerted efforts to deal with the situation.
“In many parts of Ghana, early marriage continues to be a complex and pervasive issue. Even though statistics show that we have made some progress globally, this progress is unequal, and at the rate we are going, there is no way we can achieve our goal as a country to end child marriage by 2030.”
“AfriKids expanded its work to three districts in 2021 as part of its new strategy, and one of the major child protection issues we are having to deal with is the issue of child marriage, particularly in the Mamprugu Moagduri and Builsa South districts. Many young girls are falling victim to this social challenge, depriving them of their childhood, education, and a future filled with possibilities. We are, therefore, excited at this opportunity to partner PDA and all of you here to see how we can contribute to addressing this challenge,” she said.
Themed “Tackling Child Marriage in Northern Ghana: A Shift from Rhetorics to Evidence-Based Advocacy,” the workshop delved into the complex factors surrounding child marriage, focusing on the drivers of the phenomenon and examining the socio-cultural practices and beliefs that contribute to its persistence in the region.
The workshop brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, policymakers, government officials, development partners, pupils, and parents. The gathering provided a platform for open and constructive discussions on the challenges posed by child marriage and will explore evidence-based approaches to advocacy for its eradication.
The KSW was organized by Participatory Development Associates (PDA), in partnership with Afrikids Ghana, the Department of Children, and A1 Radio, a subsidiary of the Agreed Best Communication Company.
Georgina Aberese Ako, Regional Director, Department of Children, Upper East Region, explained that to properly deal with the issue of child marriages, children need to be empowered to participate in discussions centered around issues that bother them.
She called on stakeholders to value the inputs of children and appreciate them.
“We often perceive children as weak, but they are not. Let’s involve them in matters that concern them and encourage their participation in issues that directly benefit and affect them. Let’s appreciate children and help them preserve their values. If they understand their worth, they won’t easily fall for certain tricks.”
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga
