By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Bolgatanga, Dec. 18, GNA – The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), has engaged faith-based organizations in Bolgatanga to strengthen their collective resolve against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child marriage practices.
The Ministry noted that such practices undermined the dignity of people, especially the female gender, the future of children and called for commitment to dialogue, collaboration and action among stakeholders to eliminate such practices.
The engagement, which was part of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the prevention of violence against women and girls, focused on addressing critical issues such as GBV and child marriage.
The programme, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), offered participants the opportunity to discuss strategies to strengthen their collective efforts to end child marriage, promote gender equity and explore resources available to faith-based organizations to support the initiative and foster positive change within their communities.
Alhaji Amin Abdul-Rahaman, the Chief Director of the MLGCRA, in a speech read on his behalf, said the Ministry recognized the unique influence of faith leaders in shaping values, guiding communities, and inspiring change.
“Your presence here affirms that the fight against GBV and child marriage is not only a government priority, but a moral and spiritual imperative,”Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman said.
He expressed gratitude to the UNFPA for its steadfast partnership and support noting that, “Together, we seek to build bridges between policy and practice, between faith and civic responsibility, so that every child in Ghana can grow free from violence and coercion.”
Bonaba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, who chaired the programme, said GBV, child marriage and other harmful practices and life challenging social norms, made life unbearable.
He noted that the engagement was not merely a meeting, but an opportunity to rise together to protect the girl child, transform their communities, and secure a brighter future for the unborn adding, “The girl child is the heartbeat of our communities and part of the cultural heritage in the Region”.
The Bonaba said investment in a girl child’s education, health, and empowerment, moulded her to contribute significantly to regional and national development, and further indicated that it was, therefore, not out of place for a declaration to end child marriage in the entire Upper East Region.
“It is crystal clear that true progress requires collaboration. I thank the Ministry for bridging traditional authority with governance; UNFPA for expertise in reproductive health and gender equality; faith-based organizations for moral guidance and outreach; and the media for amplifying our message.
“Let us strengthen alliances through joint workshops, shared initiatives, and coordinated advocacy to eradicate or remodel harmful practices for impactful benefits and use,” Bonaba Lemyaarum said.
Mr James Twene, the Upper East Regional Gender Officer, who spoke on child marriage demographics in the Region, said child marriage was against the fundamental human rights of every child.
He said child marriage in the Region was about 28 per cent, and attributed the cause to teenage pregnancy stressing that, “Teenage pregnancy is the key driver of child marriage. It is a critical issue.”
On health implications of GBV, child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Ms Estella Abazesi, the Bongo District Director of the Ghana Health Service, said the acts could result in postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) and other maternal health complications which compounded the rising maternal mortality of 56 in the Region.
She stressed the need for the stakeholders to use their influence and platforms to preach on proper sexual and healthy lifestyles, and advocate the involvement of men in sexual reproductive health activities, so that they would understand the implications of the acts.
Participants who made significant contributions at the programme, pledged to use their respective platforms to propagate and sensitize their congregations on the effects of GBV and child marriage.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/George-Ramsey Benamba