By Antoinette Abbah
Efforts to end child marriage and harmful cultural practices are being intensified in the Volta Region, where communities are coming together to create safer and healthier futures for young people. By focusing on reproductive health education, adolescent support, and the prevention of gender-based violence, these initiatives aim to empower young people and promote gender equality. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal, SDG, 5, which seeks to empower all women and girls by 2030, these community-driven actions are laying the foundation for lasting change.
The Challenge of Child Marriage in Ghana
Child marriage remains a significant issue in Ghana, where approximately 19 percent of girls marry before reaching the age of 18, according to recent national statistics. In the Volta Region, this rate is even higher at around 21 percent, highlighting the urgency for focused, community-based solutions. Responding to this need, Volta Regional Director for the Department of Gender, Thywill Eyra Kpe said three key initiatives; Community-based based dialogues, facilitator training, and men and boy’s engagement are being employed this year. They have engaged communities in the Avatime Traditional area, Adaklu, Ho, Tongu, Keta, Akatsi and Ketu Districts among others
According to her, the community-based dialogues bring together leaders, families, and youth to address deep-rooted challenges from within. “By uniting diverse voices in this cause, we’re building a strong foundation for lasting change,” she said. “These conversations help foster understanding and create solutions that reflect our community’s unique needs.”
The community engagement has promoted open communication between parents and children on topics such as reproductive health and adolescent well-being. Recognizing the need for stronger parent-child communication, Mercy Dzifa Kumah, a facilitator in Amedzofe in the Avatime Traditional area of the Volta Region, shared how the programme has benefited her and other parents. “This initiative has truly helped us as parents to address important issues and feel closer to our children,” she said. “We’re now able to discuss topics that were once difficult, building trust and understanding within our families”, she said.
Men and boys’ engagement
The men and boys engagement on the other hand empower young boys to become advocates against child marriage by fostering awareness, compassion, and responsibility. Through mentorship, education, and group discussions, these clubs encourage boys to understand the impact of child marriage and inspire them to speak out within their communities. “Boys learn to stand up for the rights of their peers, promote gender equality, and support girls in pursuing education and a future free from early marriage. This proactive approach not only helps prevent child marriage but also builds a generation of men committed to ending gender-based injustices”, Madam Kpe added.
Strides have been made by the Department of Gender this year in engaging men and boys, with 20 male facilitators from 5 districts in the region to lead discussions on gender equality and reproductive health among their peers. Through their support, the initiative has mobilized 300 boys to participate in boot camp focused on essential topics like reproductive health, child marriage prevention, and gender-based violence. This effort is aimed at empowering young men to become advocates for gender equality and active agents of positive change.
Wisdom Hini, a boot camp facilitator in the Adaklu district of the Volta Region, highlighted the importance of these initiatives. “By equipping young men with the knowledge and confidence to champion gender equality, we’re helping to build a more inclusive community. We have 35 boys in each session of the boot camp and it gives boys a real opportunity to understand their role in creating positive change that benefits everyone.”he said.
Support
The UNFPA has played an instrumental role in eliminating child marriage by providing vital resources for community dialogues and training facilitators. “Their support has empowered communities to actively address this issue and work towards a future where every child is free to reach their full potential,” said Madam Kpe.
Despite the significant strides made, the journey to end child marriage in the Volta Region faces challenges. Resource constraints, cultural beliefs and resistance to change also pose obstacles, as long-standing traditions may hinder efforts to promote gender equality and end child marriage. Additionally, there is a need for sustained engagement with youth who might be influenced by peer pressure or economic hardship, which can perpetuate harmful practices.
However, there is hope. With the continued support of organizations like UNFPA, along with the commitment of community leaders, facilitators, and parents, progress is being made. Each step forward—whether it’s a family discussing reproductive health together or young boys learning to champion girls’ rights—helps to build a future where every child can thrive, free from the constraints of early marriage. The Volta Region’s collective dedication to this cause is setting the stage for a generation that will no longer be bound by these harmful practices but instead empowered to create lasting, positive change.