The National Population Council has said the far-reaching consequences of child marriage do not only affect victims of the practice and persons around them but the menace also has a negative impact on Ghana as a whole.
Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child.
Though the menace of child marriage has witness a decrease from one in four girls married worldwide in the last decade – the practice is still widespread as one in five teenagers get married.
The Northern Regional Population Officer, Alhaji Issifu Seidu Iddi, has called an increased in awareness and sensitization regarding child marriage laws in Ghana and the consequences therein among individuals, families and communities.
The national population council has therefore recommended a multi-prolonged intervention to alter social norms and legal framework, amendment of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) which currently pegs the age of sexual consent at 16, the children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), to increase the minimum age for marriage from the present age 18 to 20, all in the effort to reduce child marriage in the country.
Observing the 2022 World Population Day on a national theme: Prioritizing rights and choices; Harnessing opportunities, the road to a resilient future for all, Alhaji Issifu noted a comprehensive delivery and prioritization of sexual reproductive health and rights is not only a health issue but also a development necessity.
He emphasized an effective and efficient SRH&R programming ensures improvement in livelihood and promote economic growth, social and economic empowerment and reduces poverty and gender inequality.
“Men and women hence have to be informed and also have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice as well as other methods for regulation of fertility for optimal health and outcomes” he added.
Ghana is enjoined by the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) to achieve good health and well-being for all by 2030 as stipulated in goal 3.
Meanwhile, the National Population Council has disclosed that the unmet needs for family planning highest among the youngest women aged 15-19years representing 51% and lowest among the oldest women aged 45-49years, 14%.
“It is higher in the rural areas compared to urban area” Alhaji Issifu Seidu Iddi revealed.
The Northern Regional Population Officer indicated the region has a high unmet need for family planning of 27.8% and a very low contraceptive prevalence of 17%.
