Tamale, Dec 17, GNA – Some Muslim Leaders have proposed building of capacities of local Imams on issues of teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to help curb the phenomenon in society.
They also proposed that sex education be inculcated in madrassa curriculum and sermons, as well as the establishment of guidance and counseling desks at mosques to support teenagers on dangers of teenage pregnancy and to help address the situation.
The Muslim Leaders drawn from Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West Regions made the proposal at a two-day dialogue on teenage pregnancy and SGBV organised in Tamale by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The dialogue, which ended on Wednesday, sought to amongst others advocate support for the goals of UNFPA.
The goals included; “No life is lost when giving birth, bring to zero every unmet need for family planning, and achieve zero SGBV and harmful practices” to create enabling environment for adolescent girls to fulfil their potentials.
The dialogue was on the theme: “Curbing the menace of teenage pregnancy and SGBV in Ghana: The role of faith-based organisations”.
Statistics have shown increasing cases of teenage pregnancy, child, early and forced marriages in the country, a situation, which affected the development of adolescent girls and their ability to fulfil their potentials, hence the dialogue to find ways to curb the menace of teenage pregnancy and SGBV in Ghana.
Sheikh Shaban Mohammed Alhassan, an Imam from Wa, who read the proposals on behalf of participants after a group exercise on the role of religious leaders in curbing issues of teenage pregnancy and SGBV, also proposed engagement of members of communities to understand such issues to uphold the rights of adolescent girls.
On the role of parents in curbing the menace, Sheikh Alhassan proposed close relationship between parents and their teenagers and engaging them on sex education, especially the dangers of teenage pregnancy.
He also proposed that adolescents should seek knowledge from qualified health personnel and avoid negative peers to lead upright lives.
Dr Hussein Zakaria, Imam of Quran Mosque in Tamale said, “The training has given us the capacity to impart on our congregations the need to understand our young people particularly the girls and women so that we prevent them from the painful harassment and other molestation that they go through in their daily lives.”
Sheikh Amin Bamba, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Institute of Ghana said, “Ending teenage pregnancy is a religious responsibility of the Cleric.
“So, this training means a lot to us as religious individuals because we have large followers and they look up to us for information, guidance and support.
“We are fully committed to this and we are by extension even committing ourselves to training further people, who could not get the opportunity to get the training.
“So, the impact would be widespread for the benefit of our community particularly the teenagers.”
Mrs Alhassan Bushira, Acting Director of Department of Gender in the Northern Region advised parents to encourage their daughters to participate in Friday Muslim Prayers to be imparted with knowledge on various issues including; teenage pregnancy to shape their lives.
Mr Salifu Saeed, Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, called for increased awareness on issues of teenage pregnancy and SGBV amongst parents and young people to help curb the menace.
Mr Niyi Ojuolape, UNFPA Country Representative thanked participants for their suggestions, and said it would be part of the working document of the UNFPA to help curb the menace.
GNA