The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has issued a call for intensified efforts to eliminate child marriages in Ghana, following the recent betrothal of a 12-year-old girl to a senior member of the Ga traditional community.
Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society, expressed concern over the widespread acceptance of the practice in some sectors of Ghanaian society and emphasized the need for collective action to prevent its further proliferation.
Dr. Boye underscored the dangers posed by child marriages, highlighting the potential for irreparable harm to the physical, mental, and educational well-being of affected children. She stressed the importance of swift and decisive action to protect the rights and welfare of children caught in such unions.
The PSG condemned any form of support or defense of child marriages, urging stakeholders to work together to combat the practice effectively. The society called for a unified response from governmental, traditional, health, educational, judicial, and media authorities, with support from international partners like UNICEF and the WHO.
In conclusion, the PSG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights and best interests of children across Ghana and urged all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the protection of vulnerable children from harmful socio-cultural practices like child marriage.
