On February 6th, Ghana joined the global community in observing the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a day designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness and advocate for the elimination of this harmful practice.
In light of this important observance, attention has once again turned to the prevalence of FGM in certain parts of Ghana, particularly the Upper East Region.
In an interview on A1 Radio, James Twene, the Upper East Regional Director for the Department of Gender, revealed that while FGM is still practiced in some parts of the country, it remains relatively concentrated in the Upper East, Upper West, and Northern Regions. The practice is most prevalent among certain ethnic groups and migrant populations, he noted.
Mr. Twene referenced a recent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) survey conducted two years ago, which revealed that 9 out of every 1,000 women in the Pusiga District had undergone FGM. The report also highlighted that in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, the figure rose to 30 out of 1,000 women. “There was a survey conducted by the United Nations Population Fund two years ago, and the report revealed that in the Pusiga District, 9 out of every 1,000 women had undergone FGM,” he stated.
Despite the government’s efforts to combat FGM, some communities continue to justify the practice, citing cultural beliefs passed down through generations. In certain areas, FGM is considered a rite of passage and a way to preserve virginity, while others feel social pressure or face exclusion if they do not participate. Some individuals even claim that the practice is a religious requirement. According to Mr. Twene, “When you engage with the people, they will tell you that this is our cultural belief, something that we inherited from our forebearers. Some others will tell you that FGM is a religious requirement.”
To address these issues, he pointed out that the Department of Gender has been engaging with various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, parents, and students, to create a collective approach to eliminating FGM. “Over the years, we have had several engagements with key stakeholders, especially our traditional rulers, parents, and the children themselves,” he said. He emphasized that tackling the practice requires the combined efforts of institutions, individuals, and communities, as no single person or organization can solve the problem alone.
He also highlighted that a team from the department visited Pusiga two months ago for discussions with local stakeholders, aiming to better understand the root causes of FGM and how to collectively address the issue. Mr. Twene reiterated that the fight against FGM is a collective responsibility that requires everyone working together to ensure the practice is eradicated for future generations. “We all have to come together and address it. It is a collective responsibility.”
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
