The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is developing a “Child Marriage Tool” to be used to fight child marriages in the country.
According to national statistics, the prevalence rate of child marriages in Ghana ranges between 12.2 per cent and 39.2 per cent, with the Upper East Region having the highest percentage of 39.2 per cent.
The process which is being implemented with the support of Stratcomm Africa, a Communication Consultancy company, is expected to be developed within three months and would be used for awareness creation on the issue.
Speaking at separate functions held in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, Mr Emmanuel Kentor Adjei, Principal Development Communication Officer, said the essence of the project which is in its first phase was to identify the main issues concerning child marriages.
He said after developing a workable process, it would be used to create more awareness on the issue and help fight the menace, which he noted, was endemic in many communities in the country.
Mr Adjei said similar programmes were being held in the Northern and Upper West Regions and entreated the stakeholders to strengthen their collaboration to help address the issue.
Giving her experience on how the Bongo District handles the phenomena, Mrs Christiana Nge Abeliwine,the Queen Mother of the Bongo Traditional Council, said through the family tribunal, men who impregnate young girls were sanctioned by making them take care of the victims throughout their antenatal and post natal care.
She said there was the need for parents to interact with their daughters so that the girls will feel free to discuss any information relating to their sexual reproductive health with them.
Mr Pontius Apaabey Baba, the Regional Director of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), said under the laws, it was wrong and unconstitutional to force a child to be betrothed or subject a dowry transaction.
Naba Baba Salifu Aleeyaarum, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, pledged that the traditional council would work in collaboration with other stakeholders in the area to end the problem.
The event brought together 150 participants including traditional and religious leaders, queen mothers, assembly members, market women and opinion leaders.
Source: GNA
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