By James Esuon
Agona Swedru (C/R), Feb 10, GNA – The Adonteng Division of Nyakrom Traditional Council has unanimously declared a ‘big no’ to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy in the Area.
The declaration was made at a forum organised by the Swedruman Council of Chiefs and Elders of Adonteng Division of Agona Nyakrom Traditional Council at Swedru.
It was attended by chiefs, Queen mothers, heads of clan, school children, teachers, police, CHRAJ officials, Social Welfare officials and staff of Ghana Health Service.
It was under the theme:’’ Ending Child Marriage, The Role of Traditional Leaders and Opinion leaders in Agona Swedru Traditional Area’’.
Speaking to the media after the forum, Nana Kwedu Esieni V, Nifahene and Regent of Agona Swedru cautioned parents and guardians against giving their girls out into early marriages, stressing that recalcitrant parents would be dealt with as stated by the law.
He said the council had realised that child marriage and teen pregnancy constituted criminal offence, and they also affected the education and wellbeing of the child.
Nana Esieni said the children’s Acts incriminate even the master of ceremony popularly known as (MC) who would conduct the marriage ceremony and could be arrested together with the family members.
Nana Esieni said these two social issues could result in abject poverty in the society and must be stopped.
He therefore encouraged family and community members to report any culprit to the Swedruman Council or the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
He said the Council was waging a war on early child marriage and teen pregnancy because many girls who had fallen victim to the canker had become a burden to the society.
It was the desire of the Council, that their children studied to the highest level to become graduate teachers, accountants, lawyers, doctors, nurses, and other professionals to enhance socio-economic transformation of the Area Nana Esieni stated.
He expressed optimism that the participants would go back to their various communities, schools, workplaces, and households to educate the people about the dangers of child marriage and teen pregnancy matters.
GNA