Recently, Ghana’s president signed the groundbreaking Gender Equality Act 2024 into law. This landmark legislation aims to ensure that at least 30% of decision-making positions in government, security, commerce, and other sectors are held by women, with a bold target of reaching 50% by 2030.
This is a significant step forward in our journey towards gender equity, and it aligns perfectly with our mission to create equal opportunities for girls in education. By increasing women’s representation in decision-making roles, we can advocate more effectively for policies that promote education, health, and economic stability for girls, families and communities here in the north.
Story by Matthew Abagna, AfriKids District Manager.
In this Chief’s community, child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and Kayaye (head porterage) were once rampant. The situation had become so dire that few girls advanced to Junior High School. Many, as young as 12, were forced into marriage, especially those who migrated from northern Ghana to the south for work as Kayaye. Others became involved in galamsey (illegal gold mining), resulting in teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and child marriages. This entanglement of galamsey and Kayaye deeply affected girls’ participation in education.
This troubling phenomenon concerned the Chief of a community supported by AfriKids. As a strong advocate for education, the Chief took a firm stand against child labour, teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and the unaccompanied migration of minors to cities like Tamale, Kumasi, and Accra. Personally, he began counselling young girls, encouraging them to stay in school and showing them how education could open doors to a brighter future.
In 2022, the Chief’s vision found powerful support through AfriKids’ programmes, which injected new hope into the community. AfriKids introduced Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and STEM clubs in local schools, creating a pivotal turning point. Recognising this initiative’s potential, the Chief made it a priority to attend the clubs’ inauguration.
Among the first to join was Zuweira, a former habitual Kayaye. At the event, the Chief passionately urged Zuweira and other girls to abandon Kayaye and focus on their studies, warning them of the dangers of teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
Zuweira, once well-known for her work as a Kayaye, embraced the Chief’s advice. She committed herself to her education and actively participated in school clubs. Her efforts were soon rewarded when she was elected President of the SRHR Club. Her commitment led to her successful completion of Junior High School, a remarkable achievement in a community where most girls struggle to do so. Zuweira dreams of continuing her education in science. Aware of the example she has set, she is determined to continue being a role model for other girls in her community.
Zuweira’s advocacy efforts took a significant step forward at a meeting of all the Chiefs in the district. Her confident speech impressed Matthew, AfriKids District Manager, as she spoke passionately to the custodians of tradition about the devastating impact of child marriage on girls’ futures. She stressed that teenage pregnancy should not be an excuse to force girls into marriage, and that such pregnancies often prevent girls from returning to school. Tearfully, she shared that her district had the highest rate of child marriages in the Northeast Region, with the number doubling that of the national average. Her words resonated deeply with the Chiefs, who pledged to combat child marriage in their communities.
The Chief of her community is relentlessly working to break down barriers to girls’ education. He consistently emphasises that keeping girls in school could transform not only their lives but also the entire community. To ensure lasting change, the Chief took bold action by issuing a community-wide ban on sending girls away for Kayaye. Under his leadership, a committee was formed to monitor and prevent girls from being transported to cities for such work. This by-law, strictly enforced, is personally overseen by the Chief.
The results of his tireless efforts have been extraordinary. Today, more girls are enrolled in school at the pre-secondary level. The number of girls in primary and Junior High Schools has more than doubled, and in some cases, they now outnumber boys.
The Chiefs leadership and commitment to partnerships have made him a role model for other Chiefs across northern Ghana. His community has taken control of its children’s futures, turning the tide against Kayaye, teenage pregnancies, and child marriage.
Matthew (AfriKids District Manager) describes him as:
“Someone who has played and continues to play a pivotal role in fighting child marriages, teenage pregnancies and Kayaye in his community. Through his advocacy, community engagements and personal support for education initiatives, he has raised awareness among his people about the negative impact of child marriages and other issues that affect the development of his community and has opened the doors of his palace wide to development partners like AfriKids to help him achieve his goal of leaving no child behind in his bid to accelerate access to education for all especially girls in his community. Through his collaboration with other local leaders, school authorities, families, and organisations, he has helped create a safer environment for young people especially girls; ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their education and make decisions about their future. His leadership and commitment are making a remarkable change in reducing child marriages and empowering the next generation in his community”.
This story truly highlights the incredible impact that communities are making on their own to ensure the safety and education of their children. It underscores the strides they are taking in breaking harmful cycles such as child marriage and Kayaye, while empowering girls to remain in school and pursue their aspirations.
AfriKids’ support has been instrumental in backing these efforts, and with continued partnerships, enforcement of local by-laws, and progressive legislative changes, the potential for lasting transformation will only increase.
Together, these efforts are paving the way for a brighter future for young people in these communities.
Thank you for your continued support, which enables us to carry out this vital work and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across northern Ghana.
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