Ghana is intensifying efforts to end child marriage and protect the rights, health and future of adolescent girls as the country tackles the social and economic factors that continue to expose girls to early marriage, pregnancy, violence and exploitation.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey, says the Ministry remains committed to strengthening gender-responsive interventions that promote women’s welfare, improve access to information, expand economic empowerment and increase women’s participation in household and community decision-making.
Speaking on measures to address child marriage, the Minister said particular attention is being given to adolescent girls whose vulnerability is often heightened by poverty, school dropout, limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, and early pregnancy.
She noted that adolescent pregnancy, particularly in situations involving poverty and child marriage, can have serious and lasting consequences for both mothers and their children.
Protecting girls’ rights
According to Naa Momo Lartey, protecting girls from child marriage, violence and exploitation goes beyond safeguarding their individual rights. It is also an important component of Ghana’s broader efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
“The protection of girls from child marriage, violence and exploitation is an essential part of our broader national efforts to improve maternal health outcomes.”
She said the Ministry will continue working with relevant government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and communities to strengthen interventions that protect girls and create opportunities for them to thrive.
The Minister stressed the need to keep girls in school, promote their social and economic empowerment, and address the underlying vulnerabilities that increase their risk of early marriage and pregnancy.
Investing in girls, investing in Ghana’s future
Ending child marriage, she noted, requires more than legislation and public awareness. It also demands sustained investment in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, child protection and community engagement.
For many girls, staying in school can serve as a strong protective factor against early marriage and pregnancy. Education equips them with knowledge, confidence and opportunities to build independent and productive futures.
Economic empowerment is equally important, particularly in communities where poverty can contribute to decisions that place girls at risk of early marriage.
The fight against child marriage therefore requires a collective effort involving government, traditional and religious leaders, families, communities, civil society organisations, development partners and young people.
A future where every girl can thrive
Ghana’s renewed commitment sends a clear message that every girl deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, dream and determine her own future without the threat of child marriage, violence or exploitation.
As the country strengthens its interventions, the focus remains on creating an environment where girls are protected, empowered and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
While ending child marriage remains a significant challenge, sustained investment, coordinated action and strong leadership can help Ghana make further progress.
Protecting a girl today is an investment in the woman, mother, leader, professional and changemaker she can become tomorrow. Ending child marriage is therefore not only about changing statistics—it is about transforming lives and securing a better future for generations to come.
