By Jones Anlimah
A dialogue to promote parental and community support for adolescents, especially females, has been held at Adaklu Ahunda in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region.
Supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as part of the Global Programme to End Child Marriage in Ghana, the ongoing series of dialogues is seen as a crucial step toward promoting an environment where adolescent girls can thrive, be free from harmful practices and societal expectations that limit their potentials.
The dialogue at Adaklu Ahunda marks the sixth session in a series of community dialogues designed to advance gender equality and empower parents and community members to create a safe and nurturing environment for adolescents with a special focus on females.
Communities engaged so far include Tegbi, Kedzikope, Aborlove/Nolopi, Ave-Xevi, Gborxoxome, and Adaklu Ahunda.
Speaking at the event, the Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs. Thywill Kpe, emphasized the critical role that parents and community leaders play in the development and protection of adolescents, particularly girls. “Parents have a responsibility to protect their children from physical, emotional, and moral dangers, including child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and violence. Community leaders must also ensure a safe and supportive environment where adolescents can realize their full potential,” she said.
Figures according to the 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), reveal that around 650 million women and girls were married before the age of 18. In Ghana, the 2021 Population and Housing Census indicates that 130,814 children between the ages of 12 and 17 have been in a union, while 1 in 4 girls in the Volta Region is married before turning 18.
Mrs Thywill Kpe, urged parents to take an active role in educating their children about sexual and reproductive health. “Many parents feel too embarrassed to discuss topics like sex and sexuality with their children, but it’s crucial that these conversations happen at home. If parents don’t educate their children, they will turn to unreliable sources such as peers, the internet, or social media,” Mrs. Kpe cautioned.
The need for gender equality within households was also addressed. Mrs. Kpe encouraged parents to distribute household chores equally between boys and girls, pointing out that the unequal burden of chores on girls often affects their academic performance by leaving them with less time to study.
“Equipping both boys and girls with essential life skills prepares them for adulthood and ensures they don’t become overly dependent on others,” she added.
A midwife from the Adaklu Ahunda Health Centre Madam Ernestine Amehoh, advised adolescents to avoid early sexual activity, which could lead to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections. She called on parents and community leaders to support health initiatives that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive well-being.
The dialogue also set the stage for a 21-hour boot camp expected to address harmful masculine behaviors, gender-based violence, and foster cooperation between boys and girls. The camp will bring together 350 boys from the targeted communities to encourage mutual support and the creation of a more equitable environment for both genders.
The Community dialogues are considered a key strategy in combating harmful practices like child marriage and ensuring that adolescent girls in the Volta Region are given the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potentials.
