In the heart of the Anfoega Traditional Area – Dzadikuma, a critical initiative is being launched to address a deeply concerning issue: child marriage. This community-driven project aims to raise awareness, educate, and ultimately put an end to the harmful practice of child marriage, which has long-lasting consequences for the health, education, and future of young girls.
The journey begins with a stakeholder consultative meeting in Ho, where various organizations, including the Ghana Health Service, Social Welfare, GES (Ghana Education Service), and DOVVSU, come together to discuss the dangers of child marriage, its legal and health implications, and how to effectively work toward its elimination.
At the core of this initiative is the belief that children — anyone in school or training — have rights that should be protected. These include the right to education, good health, and a proper upbringing. Marriage, in its traditional sense, is often misunderstood, and this initiative seeks to clarify that marriage should be for adults, not for children who are still in the process of growing, both physically and emotionally.
The engagement focuses on a range of health risks associated with early child marriage, such as immature reproductive organs, the high likelihood of fistula, pre-eclampsia, and severe psychological and economic consequences. Young brides often face issues like low self-esteem, depression, and a life trapped in a poverty cycle, unable to break free from the damaging consequences of an early marriage.
A strong legal framework will be outlined, explaining the punishments for those who engage in child marriage and co-habitation with minors. The discussion also delves into the impacts of domestic violence and gender-based violence, educating the community on the different forms of abuse—whether physical, sexual, or economic—that often accompany early marriages.
But it’s not just about awareness; the roles of various community members are emphasized in the prevention of child marriage. Traditional leaders are urged to enforce laws, lead community initiatives, and offer scholarships to girls. Religious leaders play an essential part by offering counseling, vocational training, and guidance. Teachers are called upon to create a safe school environment for children to grow and learn without the fear of early marriage looming over them.
Parents, too, are a central part of the conversation—they are encouraged to provide basic needs, offer guidance, and support their children’s future. Media, especially local public address systems, will amplify the message, reaching far and wide across the community.
The logistics of the project are carefully laid out. The community will provide market centers, churches, chairs, and water, ensuring the comfort and participation of everyone. Public announcements will ensure the events are well-attended, and questionnaires will be distributed to collect feedback and assess the effectiveness of the program.
The movement plan spans 7 weeks, beginning on 10th February 2025 and ending on 31st March 2025. Each week, a new community is visited, including Anfoega Wademaxe, Adame, Akukome, and others. Every community will have access to tailored presentations, workshops, and resources designed to engage them in the fight against child marriage.
Resource persons—including local experts in reproductive health, legal rights, and gender violence—will lead discussions, providing much-needed knowledge to empower the community to take action. By the end of the engagement, the community will have a clearer understanding of their role in ending child marriage and how to support each other in creating a safer, healthier environment for all children.
This is not just a campaign; it is a movement toward a future where children can grow up free from the devastating effects of early marriage, with the opportunity to realize their full potential. Through collective effort and education, the Anfoega Traditional Area – Dzadikuma can take significant steps towards ending child marriage once and for all.
