Madam Emma Asilevi, Kadjebi District Girls' Education Officer, has called on parents to refrain from forcing their children, especially girls, into marriage. This practice violates children's rights and contravenes the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560). The call was made during an engagement with women's groups on the rule of law, women's rights, and the fight against corruption at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
According to Madam Asilevi, parents and guardians have a responsibility to protect children from practices that could deprive them of their rights, education, and opportunities to develop their full potential. She emphasized that children are assets and every effort must be made to protect them and provide the necessary support for them to attain their full potential.
Madam Asilevi highlighted that child marriage could have serious consequences for girls, including disruption of their education, teenage pregnancy, and exposure to health, social, and economic challenges. She therefore urged parents to encourage their children to remain in school and provide them with the needed guidance and support to make responsible decisions about their future.
The Kadjebi District Girls' Education Officer also called on community leaders, women's groups, and other stakeholders to speak out against child marriage and report cases to the appropriate authorities for action. She emphasized that protecting children required collective responsibility and that communities must create an environment where children could grow, learn, and develop without being subjected to harmful practices.
Madam Asilevi encouraged parents to educate their children about their rights and responsibilities and to seek assistance from relevant institutions whenever they encountered challenges affecting their welfare. This, she believes, will empower children to make informed decisions about their lives and protect them from exploitation.
The engagement with women's groups at Kadjebi was part of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children's rights and promoting their well-being. Madam Asilevi's call to action is particularly significant in the context of Ghana's efforts to eliminate child marriage and ensure that all children have access to quality education.
The Ghana News Agency was informed that stakeholders are working together to address the issue of child marriage and promote the rights and well-being of children. Key among these efforts is the implementation of the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), which seeks to protect children from all forms of exploitation and abuse, including forced marriage.
Key points
- Forced child marriage violates children's rights and contravenes Ghana's Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560).
- Child marriage can lead to serious consequences for girls, including disruption of education and exposure to health and social challenges.
- Collective responsibility is required to protect children from harmful practices like forced marriage.
