By Priscilla Oye Ofori, GNA
Accra, Nov. 06, GNA- The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has urged pupils of the Tafsiliyya Islamic School in Nima, to stay in school as a critical step towards preventing child marriage.
It said education remained the most important tool to empower children, especially girls, to make informed choices about their future.
Dr Marian W. A Kpakpah, the Chief Director of the Gender Ministry, in a speech read for her, made the call during a sensitisation programme organised by the Ministry’s Child Marriage Unit in Accra.
Dr Kpakpah urged the pupils to endeavour to complete your basic and secondary education before pursuing further studies or vocational training.
She explained that education and skills development would equip the pupils with the knowledge and abilities needed to achieve their goals, become financially independent, and make informed decisions about their future.
The Chief Director encouraged the pupils to remain committed to their education, pursue their aspirations, and develop the skills needed to become independent in the future.
The facilitators, Ms Belinda Mills and Ms Naa Dedei A. Komey, the Assistant Programme Officers of the Unit, warned that child marriage disrupted education, limitsed personal development and trapped victims in a cycle of poverty.
They said causes of the practice included poverty, cultural norms, teenage pregnancy and lack of parental guidance, while consequences included school dropout, health complications and reduced economic opportunities.
The pupils were encouraged to report cases of child marriage through the Ministry’s toll-free line, 0800 111 222.
The pupils participated in interactive discussions, asking questions on how to protect themselves and their peers.
The Ministry said it would continue its school outreach to ensure children understood their rights and had platforms to seek help.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
By Priscilla Oye Ofori
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