Traditional leaders in the Anfoega Traditional Area in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region have made an official declaration, committing themselves to ending child marriage in the area.
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, the Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area, doubling as President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, who led the declaration, said they were ready to collaborate with all relevant authorities to ensure that the area was free from child marriage.
The declaration was made at a durbar organised by the Obaapa Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The programme was on the theme: “Ending Child Marriage in Ghana: One Paramountcy At a Time.”
The traditional leaders gave the assurance that they would promote awareness, educate and support initiatives that protect the rights and wellbeing of girls and children in their various communities.
“Together, we will build communities and a future where every child can thrive and fulfil their full potential, where the rights and welfare of children are protected,” they said.
The chiefs and queen mothers also pledged to end harmful traditional practices that retarded the development of girls and children in their various communities.
Hajia Halima Yakubu, the Chief Director, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, commended the chiefs and queen mothers of Anfoega for their commitment to end child marriages and to protect the rights and wellbeing of children.
Dr Doris Mawuse Aglobitse, the Gender Team Lead, UNFPA, commended the traditional leaders for taking the bold step to end child marriage and other harmful traditional practices in the area.
“We wish you every success in this bold initiative you have taken. Please count on our support to work together to end child marriage in your area and in Ghana more generally,” she said.
Dr Aglobitse said children were the future leaders of the country, therefore, they must be given the necessary empowerment.
She said the UNFAP would continue to support women and girls and encouraged all children to protest being married off or marrying as a child.
Dr Aglobitse urged governments, civil society, traditional and religious leaders and partners to collaborate, share knowledge and resources, as well as to hold each other accountable as they worked together to protect the rights of children.
Students who were present at the durbar pledged to abstain from sex and focus on their education so they would become responsible future leaders of the country.
GNA