CDI calls for intensified effort to end child marriage in Ghana

The Centre for Development Initiative, (CDI), has called for an intensified effort to end child marriage in Ghana. 

The Centre describes child marriage as both an abuse of the female child and an indictment on the society. Executive Director for CDI Alexis Danikuu told journalists’ in Accra that child marriage needs to be seen more of an national concern than an NGO.

At an End of Project Review Meeting with stakeholders including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, UNICEF and trained educators, it came to light that progress is being made in the reduction of child marriage in many parts of Ghana especially the Greater Accra and parts of the Upper West Regions.

Executive Director of CID Alexis Danikuu said about 80 rescued forced married girls are in school and are being fed as well as given other forms of financial and emotional support through the work of CDI.

He said in the Upper West Region four paramouncies in the Sissala West District have resolved to nib child marriage in the bud. 

In line with this they have formed community watchdog committees to monitor such child abuses and have indicated that they will punish perpetrators.

Mr. Danikuu expressed gratitude to MMDAs in its operational areas especially the Accra Metropolitan Assembly for their support at ending forced marriage.

According to Mr. Danikuu, CDI has over the years sensitized both parents and children on the negative implications of child marriage.

He said  previous surveys gave the indication that prevalence is q in Upper East (50%), followed by Upper West (39%), Northern (36%) and the least prevalence in Greater Accra (11%). 

In terms of percentages of girls getting married before age 18 years Upper East region leads with 39%, followed by Western region 37% and the least being Greater Accra region with 12%.

A representative of UNICEF Ante Yohane said the laws of Ghana make child marriage a criminal offence and urged the public to report cases of forced marriage to the law enforcement agencies. 

She expressed joy that child marriage is on the low now, but cautioned against complacency.

Young girls from child marriage prone communities such as Agbogbloshie, Nima and Ashiama shared their testimonies at the meeting. 

They admitted that they have learnt about the dangers of early marriages and will henceforth report cases of forced marriage to the appropriate authorities.



GBC