Gender Ministry Undertakes Community Sensitisation to End Child Marriage
The Child Marriage Unit of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has undertaken a community sensitisation programme at the Nkafoa Atta Mills Community Centre in the Central Region to raise awareness on child marriage, teenage pregnancy and adolescent cohabitation.
The engagement brought together traditional and religious leaders, parents, adolescents, community members and key stakeholders to discuss the harmful effects of these practices and promote collective action to safeguard the rights and well-being of children and young people.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Head of the Child Marriage Unit, Madam Saphia Tamimu, underscored the need for a united response to address the persistent challenges of child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
She noted that although Ghana has made progress, many girls remain vulnerable, with early marriage and pregnancy often disrupting education and exposing young people to social, economic and health risks.
Madam Tamimu stressed that education remains one of the most effective tools for breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability and called on parents, traditional and religious leaders, teachers and communities to champion positive social norms that protect children and empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their futures.
Facilitated by officers from the Child Marriage Unit, community health personnel, educators and Social Welfare Officers, discussions centred on the legal, social and health implications of child marriage and teenage pregnancy, sexual and reproductive health and rights, the importance of continued education, and strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms.
The sensitisation forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to foster safer, healthier and more supportive communities and accelerate progress towards ending child marriage and related harmful practices, ensuring that no child is left behind.
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