Gushegu: Madam Clara Valentine Tigenoah, Head of Programmes at Camfed GHANA, has called on traditional and religious leaders, parents, guardians, and teachers to support the fight against early child marriages in communities. She emphasized that early child marriage remains a significant barrier to the education of the girl-child, particularly in rural areas.

According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Tigenoah made her appeal during a community durbar organized by Camfed Ghana in Gushegu, located in the Northern Region. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of girl-child education in the northern sector. Madam Tigenoah highlighted that factors such as poverty, peer pressure, and lack of information often contribute to early marriages in these communities.

She urged stakeholders to ‘Keep girls in school. Education is the most powerful tool to end early marriage and poverty.’ Madam Tigenoah called for a collaborative effort from community leaders and expressed the need for their commitment to supporting parents and guardians in understanding the long-term benefits of girls’ education.

The Head of Programmes noted that Camfed has actively worked across numerous districts in the country to provide bursary support for girls, foster leadership among young women, and offer livelihood opportunities. The organization has also mobilized communities through Parent Support Groups, Teacher Mentors, and District Committees.

Mr. Abdul-Hafiz Adam, Gushegu Municipal Chief Executive, acknowledged Camfed GHANA’s role in enhancing educational opportunities for girls in the municipality. He noted that their efforts have significantly reduced school drop-out rates among girls. Furthermore, in partnership with the Ghana Enterprise Agency, Camfed has supported 411 businesses and 65 self-funded businesses by providing training, start-up grants, and Micro Credit Support, thereby alleviating unemployment in the area.

He encouraged the youth in the municipality to enroll in the National Apprenticeship Programme to gain industry-relevant technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills. Naa Yab Gushe-Naa, the local chief, assured the forum of his and his elders’ continued support for Camfed GHANA and other development partners to ensure the successful implementation of development activities in the area.