ActionAid Ghana has launched a call to action to end child marriage and increase investment in girls' rights, education, and leadership. The organisation made this appeal during the 2026 International Day of the Girl-Child celebration in Techiman, Bono East Region. The event was held under the theme "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights." ActionAid Ghana's Regional Programme Manager, Kwame Afram Denkyira, addressed traditional leaders, educators, students, and stakeholders at the event.
According to Kwame Afram Denkyira, girls should be recognised as rights-holders and agents of change rather than victims in need of rescue. He emphasised that girls deserve justice, resources, and power. Denkyira identified several challenges confronting girls, including school-related gender-based violence, early and forced marriage, digital exclusion, and the effects of climate change and austerity measures. He also highlighted recent cases of sexual abuse in schools as a reflection of deeper structural inequalities and failures.
Techiman Municipal Girl-Child Coordinator Ellen White Opoku echoed Denkyira's sentiments, stating that ending child marriage requires a collective effort from parents, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies. Opoku called for decisive action against perpetrators, warning that abuse and exploitation could deprive girls of their childhood and limit their future opportunities. She emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to address the issue of child marriage.
ActionAid Ghana has urged the government, Parliament, local authorities, and traditional leaders to take practical steps to protect girls and expand their opportunities. The organisation called for stronger accountability for child marriage and abuse, survivor-centred support, and safer, gender-responsive schools. They also recommended increased investment in quality education, mentorship, healthcare, and digital access, particularly for girls in rural communities.
The organisation further recommended the full implementation of existing child protection laws, including the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), and the adoption of gender-responsive budgets that prioritise girls' rights and leadership. ActionAid Ghana's Country Director emphasised that investment in girls should be treated as a matter of justice rather than charity. The Director stated that girls in Ghana are not victims to be rescued but rights-holders and leaders shaping the country's future.
ActionAid Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to working with traditional authorities, education stakeholders, and communities in the Bono East Region to advance equality, dignity, and justice for girls. The organisation's message reinforced the need to treat investment in girls as a matter of justice. By working together, stakeholders can help create a society where girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
The issue of child marriage and girls' rights is a pressing concern in Ghana, requiring immediate attention and action from all stakeholders. With the support of organisations like ActionAid Ghana, the government, and community leaders, it is possible to create a society where girls can grow and develop without fear of abuse or exploitation. By investing in girls' education, healthcare, and leadership, Ghana can unlock the potential of its future leaders and build a brighter future for all.
Key points
- ActionAid Ghana calls for stronger measures to end child marriage and school-related abuse.
- The organisation urges government and community leaders to invest more in girls' rights, education, and leadership.
- Ending child marriage requires a collective effort from parents, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies.
