Local Govt Ministry engages faith leaders, chiefs to tackle gender based violence
Faith leaders and traditional authorities in the Ashanti Region have been engaged in discussions to help reduce gender-based violence and child marriage in Ghana.
The engagement was organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA.
The aim is to equip chiefs, pastors, imams, and other religious leaders with the knowledge to challenge harmful practices and promote gender equity in their communities.
Speaking to journalists after the event on Wednesday, Deputy Director of the Ministry, Richard Obeng Boafo, said the programme forms part of a nationwide campaign that started in Bolgatanga, continued in Kumasi, and will move to the Eastern Region.
“Child marriage in Ghana has reduced from about 29 percent in 1989 to 18 percent, with a target to further reduce the figures by 2030,” he noted.
Chairman of the program, the Kuntenasehene, Nana Barima Ogyebour Amankwa Adunan II, described gender-based violence and child marriage as serious issues that often occur silently within communities.
“Any marriage involving persons under 18 is illegal under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution,” he reminded participants.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agenim Boateng
