A few weeks ago, a distressing event unfolded on national television in Ghana. A member of parliament outrightly remarked to a young girl that she was beautiful and that he wished to marry her once she grew up. Such comments, made publicly and without consideration of the implications, have triggered a necessary and widespread debate across the nation about the normalization of attitudes that enable child marriage, sexual assault, and paedophilia. 

Recent statistics underscore the urgency of the situation: between January and July of this year alone, a shocking 1,501 girls aged 10 to 14 became pregnant. These numbers reflect not just a failure of systemic protection for young girls but a societal and governmental neglect that urgently needs addressing. Ghana has long prided itself on being a progressive nation that upholds the rights and dignity of all its citizens, yet such occurrences highlight a grave risk for children.

This is what we know:

The 1992 Constitution defines anyone under the age of 18 as a child, prohibiting them from marrying or being given off in marriage.
 

The Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) sets the legal age of marriage strictly at 18 and prohibits child marriage and betrothal. 
 

The Criminal Code / Criminal Offences Act criminalises forcing someone into marriage against their will, making forced or underage marriage illegal under the law. Marriages under duress are considered voidable or unlawful. 
 

The government implemented initiatives like the National Strategic Framework on Ending Child Marriage (2017–2026) through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP).
 

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service actively investigates reports, rescues underage spouses, and collaborates with child protection agencies.

But clearly, they are not enough. 

The current legal framework aimed at protecting our children from marriage and sexual violence is evidently insufficient. We need stronger laws and more robust enforcement mechanisms to combat these issues. This includes introducing harsher penalties for offenders and implementing comprehensive support systems for victims. Furthermore, awareness campaigns targeting both rural and urban areas should be intensified to change harmful cultural practices and mindsets.

By taking decisive action now, Ghana can draw a clear line in the sand that says no to child marriage and no to sexual abuse. It is a commitment to building a future where every child is free to enjoy their childhood, pursue education, and grow under the protective wing of a society that deeply values their well-being.

I urge the government of Ghana to revise and enforce stronger legislation to protect our children. Let’s put an end to this harmful practice and ensure a safer future for generations to come. Please join me in this call for change. Sign this petition to demand action now!