Obaapa Development Foundation and UNFPA Strengthen Efforts to End Child Marriage Across Ghana

Summary:
In 2023 and 2024, the Obaapa Development Foundation (ODF), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a series of impactful community engagements and workshops aimed at ending child marriage across multiple traditional areas in Ghana. These events focused on raising awareness, empowering traditional leaders, and fostering community-driven solutions to protect young girls from early marriage.

Event Locations and Timeline:

2023:
Cape Coast

Akwamu

Avatime


2024:

Agona Nyakrom (Central Region)

Ave Xevi (Volta Region)

Anfoega (Volta Region)

Bongo (Upper East Region)

Objectives and Activities:
The events were designed to engage chiefs, queen mothers, educators, parents, and youth in addressing the cultural and socio-economic drivers of child marriage. Key activities included:

Workshops and Seminars: Traditional leaders received training on gender-based violence, adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights, and legal frameworks protecting young girls.

Community Dialogues: Open discussions allowed community members to share experiences and propose solutions to reduce child marriage.

Youth Empowerment: Programs encouraged girls to stay in school, providing mentorship and career guidance to build their confidence and resilience.

Key Outcomes:

• Traditional leaders pledged to enforce local by-laws against child marriage.
• Increased awareness of health risks associated with early marriage and pregnancy.

Strengthened community networks supporting adolescent girls’ education and well-being.

Next Steps:
ODF plans to expand these engagements to other regions, aiming to end child marriage in Ghana. The foundation continues to work closely with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, to ensure sustained progress.