Accra: Young schoolgirls across Ghana have urged for stronger government action to combat child marriage, highlighting its detrimental impact on their education and future prospects. During a symposium organized by Plan International Ghana to mark the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, attendees voiced concerns that despite existing efforts, child marriage continues to plague certain communities within the country. According to Ghana News Agency, the event featured poignant testimonials from girls who had directly felt the repercussions of early marriage. Ms. Winifred Baveng, a first-year student at Wa Senior High School and participant in the Plan International "She Leads" program, shared her personal observations. "Many of my peers were married right after the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), missing out on the Free Senior High School policy which could have transformed their lives," she stated. Baveng called for more proactive government interventions and community education to safeg uard young girls from such fates. The symposium underscored the persistent challenge of child marriage and its clash with educational policies intended to empower young women. The dialogue not only focused on the barriers but also on actionable solutions such as heightened awareness programs and the use of mentorship to inspire and educate girls in affected areas. Plan International's celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for girls' rights globally. The event gathered over 100 participants, including influential state actors, to discuss the pivotal issues facing girls and the essential support needed as Ghana heads into an election period. Mr. Constant Tchona, Country Director of Plan International Ghana, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process to ensure the safety and well-being of children, particularly girls. Madam Larna Christina Del Valle, National Director of World Vision Ghana, also highlighted the broa der impacts of empowering girls, noting that it can lead to significant benefits for families, communities, and global economies. Research indicates that with the right resources, the world's 1.1 billion girls could play a crucial role in fostering global development and peace.