Child marriage and teenage pregnancy remain important child protection concerns in Ghana, with significant implications for girls’ education, health, well-being, and future opportunities. These issues were discussed during a recent television programme on “Keep the girl child in school- combating child marriage and teenage pregnancy.”
The discussion highlighted poverty, harmful social and cultural norms, school dropout, inadequate parental guidance, limited access to information, and weak support systems as some of the factors that contribute to child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Emphasis was laid on the importance of keeping girls in school and providing them with life-skills education, mentorship, and accurate information to help them make informed decisions and build confidence. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to maintain open communication with children and provide the support and guidance they need.
The discussion also underscored the important role of traditional and religious leaders in challenging harmful practices and promoting positive attitudes towards girls’ education and protection. It further stressed the need to actively engage boys and young men in discussions on gender equality, responsible relationships, and respect for girls’ rights.
While acknowledging government efforts and community-based interventions to address these challenges, the discussion called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities, families, schools, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and young people.
The programme concluded with a call for collective action to protect girls from child marriage and teenage pregnancy and to create an environment where every girl can remain in school, reach her full potential, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
