The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on December 15, 2025, held a stakeholder engagement in Bolgatanga aimed at combating gender-based violence and early child marriage in the Upper East Region.
The engagement, held at Extee Hotel, brought together faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders as part of a strategic and culturally sensitive approach to addressing harmful practices that continue to affect women and girls.
Speaking at the event, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Baba Salifu Alemyarum Atamale, stressed the importance of involving traditional and religious authorities in efforts to end child marriage.
“Your decision to work within the Upper East Region in the area of ending child marriage is recognized and anchored on the principle of human rights,” he stated.
He further emphasized the value of investing in the girl child, describing her as central to community development.
“The girl child is the heartbeat of our community and part of our cultural heritage in the region. Investing in the girl child’s education, health, and empowerment moulds the girl child to contribute significantly to regional and national development,” Naba Alemyarum said.
The Upper East Regional Gender Officer, James Twene, explained that the engagement specifically targets faith-based organizations and traditional authorities because of their influence at the community level.
“We are engaging the faith-based organizations and the various religious leaders and our traditional rulers in the area of child marriage,” he said.
Mr. Twene noted that child marriage violates the fundamental rights of children under both national and international laws.
“Per the global, continental, and national laws, it is against a child’s rights because a child is a person below the age of 18 years in our country,” he explained.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts to raise awareness and educate communities on the harmful effects of gender-based violence and early marriage, with emphasis on human rights, health consequences, and legal implications.
Participants at the ceremony included religious leaders, clergy, media practitioners, community members, and other stakeholders committed to ending gender-based violence and child marriage in the Upper East Region.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Joseph Napoleon | Bolgatanga
