Kumasi: Chiefs have been urged to spearhead the campaign against early child marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) within their communities. Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs (NHC), emphasized the critical role traditional leaders play in eliminating these practices and protecting young females.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II made these remarks during a workshop on child marriage and FGM held in Kumasi. The workshop, organized by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), and the Obaapa Development Foundation, aimed to equip traditional leaders with knowledge of existing laws on child marriage and FGM.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II highlighted the persistence of child marriage and FGM in some communities as a pressing issue. He urged chiefs not to ignore these practices but to actively work towards their eradication. He also emphasized addressing extreme poverty, which often drives families to marry off their children early.
Mr. Evans Amo Twumasi, Chief Executive of Sekyere South District Assembly, noted that these outdated cultural practices infringe on the rights of female children, affecting their education and future. He called for a unified approach among stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and develop comprehensive strategies to combat these issues.
Mr. Wilfred Ochan, Country Representative of UNFPA, emphasized the pivotal role of chieftaincy in eradicating these harmful practices. He stressed the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and traditional leaders to foster social norms that reject child marriages.
Madam Mercy Larbi, Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), reported that CHRAJ recorded approximately 150 complaints of child marriages in 2024, indicating the prevalence of the practice. She condemned FGM, stating it offers no benefits and violates human rights.
Nana Adwoa Awindor, Chief Executive Officer of Obaapa Development Foundation, discussed the health implications of FGM, such as fistula, and stressed the influence of chiefs in driving positive social change to end these practices.