Ms. Agana Elizabeth, the girls’ prefect of Bongo Senior High School in the Upper East Region of Ghana, has called on the Paramount Chief, divisional chiefs, sub-divisional chiefs, Queen mothers, and all stakeholders in the district to collaborate and intensify efforts to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Bongo and beyond.
Speaking at a community durbar organized by the Obaapa Development Foundation with support from UNFPA, she highlighted that teenage pregnancy and child marriage are significant development challenges affecting girls’ education and human dignity, exacerbated by certain cultural practices. “Let us empower families to prioritize the education and well-being of their daughters,” she urged.
“Today, I stand before you to call for collective action. As a community, we must intensify our efforts to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy in the Bongo District and beyond. Traditional leaders, such as our revered chiefs and elders, play a pivotal role in this fight. Your influence and authority can help change cultural practices that perpetuate these issues. Let us empower families to prioritize the education and well-being of their daughters,” she said.
Ms. Elizabeth expressed concern over the negative impacts of teenage pregnancy and child marriage on young girls, who are often forced into early marriages or burdened with unplanned pregnancies, making it difficult for them to continue their education. This robs them of their right to education and the opportunity to acquire skills that could empower them to contribute meaningfully to society.
She emphasized that communities also suffer from the lack of educated and empowered women who can influence local development. Ms. Elizabeth appealed to parents and guardians to nurture their children, especially girls, and support them in their pursuit of education. She urged teachers and school authorities to create an environment where every girl feels safe, valued, and encouraged to learn.
Additionally, she encouraged her fellow students to support one another and make informed decisions. “We have the power to inspire change and build a future where every girl can live free from the pressures of early marriage and unplanned pregnancies. Ending child marriage and teenage pregnancy is not an impossible task. It requires the commitment of every individual here today. Let us unite as one community with a shared vision for a brighter future. Let us advocate for the enforcement of laws protecting children and ensure that education, not marriage, becomes the priority for every girl.”
Ms. Elizabeth concluded by calling for teamwork to break the chains of poverty and inequality caused by these harmful practices. “Together, we can create a society where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.”