Ghana Eastern Region: DOVVSU Urges Stronger Child Marriage Enforcement

• The Eastern Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) hosted an event on the International Day of the Girl, advocating to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights.
• Stakeholders, including DOVVSU and the National Population Council, called for stronger enforcement of child marriage laws and increased investment in girls' rights.
• The Eastern Region faces a significant challenge with a 14% teenage pregnancy rate and over 4,000 pregnancies among girls aged 10-19 recorded between January and June.
• Experts emphasized the critical role of boys in addressing teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence, advocating for their inclusion in reproductive health education.
• Calls were made for enhanced collaboration among district assemblies, religious leaders, schools, police, and health workers to protect young people and ensure their future.

No girl under the age of eighteen should be compelled into marriage, as every child is entitled to educational opportunities, personal development, and the ability to make informed decisions about their future.

The Eastern Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) recently hosted a significant event at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School to commemorate the International Day of the Girl. Under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” the gathering brought together students and various stakeholders with the shared objective of advancing girls’ education, protection, and empowerment. A key aspect of the initiative was also to encourage boys to actively participate in addressing pressing issues such as teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lydia Wemegah, who serves as the Eastern Regional Coordinator for the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), highlighted the urgent necessity for intensified actions to eradicate child marriage and shield girls from abuse. She specifically advocated for more robust enforcement of existing laws against child marriage, coupled with comprehensive community sensitization campaigns and dedicated support systems for victims. ASP Wemegah identified poverty, entrenched cultural practices, and limited access to education as primary factors perpetuating the practice of child marriage in the region.

Further reinforcing the need for collective action, Dr. Moses Barima Djimatey, the Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, stressed the importance of strong collaboration among diverse entities. He called for district assemblies, religious and traditional leaders, schools, the police, and health workers to unite in guiding young people and securing their future, a sentiment that aligns with the broader push for Ghana Eastern Region child marriage enforcement.

The issue of teenage pregnancy was identified as a significant impediment to girls' educational attainment and future prospects. Mr. Kwasi Owusu Obeng, the Eastern Regional Population Officer for the National Population Council (NPC), reported a concerning teenage pregnancy rate of approximately 14 percent in the Eastern Region, indicating a critical need for more effective interventions. Dr. Djimatey further revealed an alarming statistic: over 4,000 girls aged between 10 and 19 became pregnant in the region during a six-month period from January to June, highlighting the severe health, social, and economic repercussions of this trend.

Mr. Obeng pointed out that reproductive health education frequently focuses predominantly on girls, despite the undeniable role boys play in teenage pregnancies. He advocated for increased attention to educating boys on abstinence and responsible sexual behavior, asserting that their involvement in reproductive health programs would contribute significantly to reducing teenage pregnancies and fostering shared responsibility among young individuals.

Beyond legal enforcement, the event underscored the importance of educational and community-based strategies. During the celebration, students were organized into nine distinct groups and paired with mentors who shared personal life experiences and facilitated discussions on decisions that could shape their futures. This mentorship component was praised as a crucial element in youth development.

Madam Diana Mintah, the Headmistress of Ghana Senior High School (GHANASS), advocated for the implementation of regular mentorship programs for students. She believes such initiatives are essential for equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and values to become responsible leaders and positive role models for subsequent generations, thereby supporting the broader goals of girls' rights advocacy and child protection in the Eastern Region.

Lawyers and compliance officers should anticipate heightened enforcement and prosecution of child marriage cases in Ghana's Eastern Region, driven by calls from key stakeholders like GES and DOVVSU. This necessitates advising clients on compliance with child protection laws and preparing for increased scrutiny in cases involving minors, particularly concerning cultural practices that may facilitate child marriage.

Source: Original reporting via Ghana News Agency