The Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mariam Awemoni, has expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of child marriages in the Upper East Region, despite ongoing efforts by stakeholders to curb the practice.
Speaking exclusively to A1 Radio’s Moses Apiah, ASP Awemoni described the situation as “a serious headache,” noting that cases of child marriage continue to rise, particularly in the Bongo District. She explained that although DOVVSU, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, frequently intervenes to rescue victims and reintegrate them into school, the problem persists.
“For child marriage, I once told the Bongo Chief that it will take a frantic effort to fight it because while we are fighting, it keeps increasing,” she lamented. “In most cases, the education office helps us a lot by reporting such incidents, and we ensure that the child is rescued and returned home.”
ASP Awemoni added that DOVVSU does not hesitate to pursue legal action when necessary to serve as a deterrent. However, complications often arise when rescued victims are already pregnant. “At that stage, it becomes a bottleneck. The parents usually lack the resources to care for the child, so we ensure that the offender is held responsible for both the victim and the unborn baby,” she explained.
She further highlighted a growing challenge where perpetrators, along with their families and those of the victims, often conspire to obstruct justice. “When it’s time to arrest the perpetrator, it becomes difficult because both families work together against us. This makes enforcement very challenging,” she said.
ASP Awemoni reaffirmed DOVVSU’s commitment to intensify collaboration with social welfare officers and other partners to provide sustained support for victims and strengthen the fight against child marriage across the Upper East Region.Preserved original quotes and tone for journalistic authenticity.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
