ActionAid Ghana recently held a significant multi-stakeholder conference aimed at tackling the pressing issues of child marriage and teenage pregnancy, which pose serious risks to the nation’s future. The event in Wa brought together traditional leaders, representatives from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), regional and district-level heads of departments, and survivors of child marriage.
Under the theme “Addressing the Root Causes of Child Marriage: The Role of Stakeholders,” this conference was the second in a series focused on eradicating child marriage, particularly in Ghana and the Upper West Region.
Mr. John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana (AAG), emphasized that defeating child marriage necessitates consistent and accountable collaboration among stakeholders. He acknowledged that, despite numerous interventions over the years, child marriage remains “a stubborn and deeply rooted challenge in Ghana,” significantly impacting the futures of many girls.
“There is no gainsaying that the practice robs our girls of their education, their health, their voices, and their future … it robs our communities and our nation of the immense potential that lies within every girl. The fight against child marriage is not just a fight for the girl child, it is a fight for social justice, for equality, for development,” Mr. Nkaw stated.
In alarming statistics, it was reported that 32 cases of abduction and elopement were documented in the Sissala East Municipality in 2024 alone, with 14 girls successfully rescued and reintegrated into their communities. Additionally, the Upper West Region Health Directorate revealed that 788 Antenatal Care (ANC) registrations of girls aged ten to 19 were recorded in the first quarter of 2025, up from 732 and 712 in the same period of 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Mr. Nkaw reiterated AAG’s commitment to partnering with various institutions and individuals to combat child marriage and issues related to teenage pregnancy. In remarks delivered on his behalf, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, highlighted the critical need for stronger stakeholder collaborations to safeguard the rights and dignity of the girl child. He expressed concerns about child marriage forcing many girls into adult responsibilities for which they are not adequately prepared.
Mr. Puozuing reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing this crisis through multi-sectoral and gender-responsive strategies. Madam Charity Batuure, Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Gender, stressed the importance of effective post-management for survivors of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) in combating these issues.
She noted that proper reintegration of child marriage survivors into their communities—through initiatives such as apprenticeship training—would enhance their resilience against such practices. ASP Stella Niabi, Upper West Regional DOVVSU Coordinator, shared insights into ongoing SGBV cases in the region, including child marriage, and underscored the importance of involving men in the fight against this pervasive issue.
Madam Abiba Nibaradun, Upper West Regional Programmes Manager of ActionAid Ghana, urged influential societal figures not to interfere in the prosecution of SGBV cases.
This conference is part of AAG’s Country Strategic Paper VII, specifically focusing on Strategic Priority Two, which advocates for women’s rights and decent work. It also aligns with Goal 5 of Agenda 2030, aiming to achieve gender equality and empower all women by 2030.
