Accra, Ghana — The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is under mounting pressure to finalize long-awaited reforms aimed at eradicating child marriage in Ghana. Advocacy groups and civil society organizations have raised concerns that delays in legislative action are undermining efforts to protect vulnerable girls, warning that time is running out to meet national and international commitments.
Ghana’s current legal framework is undergoing review to align with global child protection standards, particularly those outlined by the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Stakeholders are calling for a harmonized legal age of marriage and stronger enforcement mechanisms to close loopholes that allow underage unions to persist, especially in rural communities.
The push for reform comes amid renewed national dialogue on gender equity and youth empowerment. Advocates stress that ending child marriage is not only a legal imperative but also a critical step toward improving education, health outcomes, and economic opportunities for girls across the country. As the review process continues, many are urging the government to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard the rights and futures of Ghana’s children.
