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Georgina Yaa Oduro calls for urgent action to end child marriage
•2 min read•1 source
Professor Georgina Yaa Oduro, Head of the Anthropology and Sociology Department at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has called for immediate and decisive action to address the persistent issue of child marriage in Ghana. Speaking at an event commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, Prof. Oduro highlighted that gender inequality remains a significant driver of early unions, which continue to severely limit the education and future prospects of young girls across the country.
The sociologist specifically criticized the common practice of using poverty as a justification for child marriage. She argued that financial hardship should never be a reason to deprive a child of their fundamental right to education and personal development. According to Prof. Oduro, allowing girls to be married off prematurely not only violates their rights but also traps them in a cycle of dependency, preventing them from contributing meaningfully to national development.
Beyond addressing the root causes, Prof. Oduro and other stakeholders at the event urged local authorities to take a more proactive role in protecting children. They called for the strict enforcement of existing community bylaws designed to prevent child marriage and punish those who facilitate these illegal unions. This legal approach is seen as a necessary deterrent to complement ongoing social advocacy and education efforts.
The event concluded with a strong appeal to parents and guardians to prioritize the educational aspirations of their daughters over early marriage. Stakeholders emphasized that for girls to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential, a collective effort is required from families, traditional leaders, and the state to ensure a safe environment that fosters academic growth and protects girls from harmful traditional practices.
