Ghana Education Service declares zero tolerance for child marriage

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reaffirmed its commitment to ending child marriage and ensuring that girls remain in school to complete their education. Speaking at a forum organized to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child at Burma Camp, the La Dadekotopon Municipal Director of Education, Habiba Kotonah, announced a zero-tolerance stance against the practice. She emphasized that child marriage significantly hinders the future prospects of young girls and called for a unified approach to protect their fundamental rights.

Madam Kotonah urged parents, educators, and community leaders to collaborate in creating a protective environment for the girl child. She specifically highlighted the importance of mentorship, encouraging female teachers to serve as role models for their students. According to the Director, providing girls with the necessary guidance and support is essential for overcoming obstacles such as harassment and discrimination, which often lead to school dropouts and the premature termination of their academic journeys.

The event was supported by CAMFED Ghana, whose Executive Director, Fairuza Abdul-Rashid Safian, underscored the moral and social imperatives of the initiative. She argued that investing in the rights of girls should not be viewed as an act of charity but as a necessary commitment to equality and justice. By ensuring safe learning environments and fostering collective community effort, the GES and its partners aim to empower girls to achieve their professional and personal dreams without the threat of early forced unions.