The Chiefs and people of Anum Traditional Council in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region have taken a significant step towards ending child marriage in the area. They declared their commitment to protecting the rights and futures of children.
The declaration was made at this year’s Odweogyi festival at Anum by the traditional leaders with the support of the Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
In a speech read on his behalf by Mrs Awatey, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of collective action in eradicating child marriage and combating gender-based violence. He noted that every child deserves the right to grow up free from fear and to realize their life dreams, and that child marriage robs girls of their potential, subjecting them to untold hardships and limited opportunities.
The Minister urged traditional leaders to use their influence to champion the rights of children, empower them to reach their full potential, and protect them from abuse. He also emphasized the need to educate and advocate for the elimination of the root causes of child marriage, including poverty, cultural and traditional practices, and limited access to education.
The Minister called on citizens to join traditional leaders in declaring their commitment to ending child marriage, challenging the status quo, and advocating for the rights of every child.
The Omanhene of Anum Traditional Area, Akusiaku – Brempong Kumi Sasraku VIII said the
declaration aims to create a haven for young girls and boys to realize their potential and dreams, free from child marriage and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence and abuse. He said the commitment is expected to contribute to achieving the desired outcomes and promoting a brighter future for the children in the area.
The Omanhene pledged his unwavering commitment to end child marriage and all harmful traditional practices within his towns and villages. He gave the assurance to actively promote awareness, education and community -led initiative that protect the rights, dignity and well-being of the girls and all children.
Akusiaku-Brempong Kumi Sasraku appealed to all citizens of Anum both home and abroad and other stakeholders to help build communities where children would be safe, empowered and be free to fulfill their full potential and to ensure that their rights and welfare are upheld and protected.
The festival was under the theme: “Innovation, Tradition and Development – Commitment to curbing teenage pregnancy and harmful cultural practices including child marriage in Ghana”.