By: Peter Agengre
The Girl Child Education Officer for the Pusiga District in the Upper East Region, Bukari Jemila, has raised serious concerns over the plight of a 17-year-old girl who is at risk of being forced into early marriage after completing her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
According to Madam Jemila, the girl was recently rescued by her office after her parents allegedly betrothed her to a man who already has two wives. Despite the intervention, she says the parents remain determined to proceed with the marriage arrangements, putting the girl’s future and education in jeopardy.
Madam Jemila described the situation as worrying and a clear violation of the rights of the little girl. She stressed that every girl deserves the opportunity to continue her education and achieve her full potential, rather than being pushed into early marriage.
She is therefore appealing to government and relevant security agencies to step in and ensure the girl is protected and allowed to stay in school. She emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage and increased community education on the importance of girl child education.
Madam Jemila made the call while speaking to GBC News during an education engagement session organized by BEWDA.
The session focused on promoting access to education and addressing barriers that continue to affect young girls in rural communities.
