By Caleb Kuleke, GNA
Ho, Oct. 12, GNA – Madam Millicent Dakeh, Volta Regional Girls’ Education Officer, has appealed to chiefs, queen mothers and religious leaders to use their influence to protect girls from child marriage, abuse and other forms of violence.
She urged traditional leaders to intensify advocacy against early and forced marriages, while encouraging religious leaders to use their platforms to promote the protection, education, and overall development of girls.
Madam Dakeh made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, observed on the theme: “End Child Marriage and Invest in the Rights of Girls.”
She said child marriage interrupted the education of girls, endangered their health and denied them the opportunity to determine their future.
She said no girl should be forced to trade the classroom for marriage, emphasising that education served as the foundational cornerstone for personal growth and future prosperity.
Madam Dakeh also called on parents and guardians to take a keen interest in the education of their daughters and make every effort to keep them in school.
She described education as one of the greatest investments parents could make in the lives of their children and urged them to provide girls with the necessary learning materials to support their academic progress.
The Girls’ Education Officer encouraged teachers to create safe and supportive learning environments where girls could participate actively and confidently.
She also urged educators to identify and refer vulnerable girls to guidance and counselling units for the necessary support.
Madam Dakeh appealed to the public to break the silence surrounding child abuse and exploitation by reporting suspected cases of early or forced marriage to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Department of Social Welfare or the nearest Ghana Education Service office.
She called on men and boys to support efforts aimed at ending child marriage and abuse and to serve as advocates for the rights and wellbeing of girls.
“When we invest in girls, we build stronger families, healthier communities, and a better Ghana. Ending child marriage is everyone’s responsibility,” Madam Dakeh stated.
She further appealed to Government and development partners to increase investments in scholarships, school feeding programmes, sanitary support, safe learning environments, and life-skills training for girls.
She reaffirmed her support for the re-entry policy, which enables girls who become pregnant to return to school and continue their education, as well as gender-responsive career guidance programmes in schools.
Madam Dakeh advised girls to remain focused on their education, pursue their aspirations, and avoid activities that could undermine their future prospects.
She reminded them that they were valuable, capable, and entitled to the protection of their rights.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah