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According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the East Mamprusi Municipality has the highest rate of child marriage in Ghana, which is 19 percent.
Compared to 1983, when the incidence of child marriage in Ghana reached 39 percent, the current figure of 19 percent represents a decline.
With Niger having the highest incidence at 76% and Cape Verde having the lowest at 18%, child marriage rates in West and Central Africa continue to be a major problem on a regional level.
In a speech to the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, Dr. Doris Mawusi Aglobitse, Programme Specialist and Gender Team Lead at UNFPA-Ghana, emphasized that child marriage is still common in rural areas, among lower-income households, and in communities with little opportunities for schooling.
She described the UNFPA’s goal to lower Ghana’s child marriage rate from 19% to 12% by 2030.
According to a recent survey, 3,334 youngsters in East Mamprusi and 3,318 in the Tamale Metropolis have been married off.
Sagnarigu (2,826), West Mamprusi (2,521), Gushegu (2,395), Namumba North (2,277), Karaga (2,047), Savelugu (2,005), Yendi (1,819), and Central Municipal (1,763) are other municipalities with notable instances.
Additionally, UNFPA Country Director Dr. Wilfred Ochan pledged to work with the National House of Chiefs and other related organizations to lower the prevalence of child marriage.
He underlined how crucial it is to interact with these important partners in order to increase the effectiveness of campaigns against child marriage.
The National House of Chiefs’ president, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, raised concern about the high rate of child marriage and promised support for programs aimed at defending children’s rights throughout Ghana.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
