CNC uses drama for students about child marriage in the central region

By Isaac Arkoh

Abeka (C/R), October 13, GNA – The Center for National Culture (CNC) in the Central Region has intensified its awareness campaigns against child marriage across the region.

The campy is laced with hilarious educational entertainment through compelling dramas performed by the CNC Drama Troupe amid captivating choreographies and cultural dances.

The theatrical showpiece has endeared many students, community leaders and the public to the CNC train as it traveled from Nyanyano and Fetteh in Gomoa East Municipality to Ayieldo, Abaka and Moree in Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) District.

Many visitors to a similar durbar at Abaka in AAK district were enthused by the scintillating performances of the ordeal endured by victims of child marriage, amid intermittent thunderous applause and infectious laughter.

The CNC drama group portrayed the harrowing experience of a 12-year-old girl from Abaka who was forced into marriage with a 50-year-old fisherman due to poverty as a second wife.

Despite the bleak nature of the story, the masterful piece managed to add a touch of humor as the young girl turned 18 years old and had three children, while navigating her challenging circumstances.

Amid the hushed whispers, giggles and chuckles of students and the echoing voices of adults, a young girl who had endured a similar ordeal could not hold back the tears streaming down her face.

Driven by a resolute determination to succeed, the victim’s fervent desire to become a teacher in her community came true after overcoming countless obstacles without any support.

Many students from both private and public schools were fascinated by the enlightening content of the compelling drama.

In solidarity with the campaign, students proudly displayed banners with the pledge: “I pledge to protect children from abuse.”

The event, themed “For our bright future, end child marriage now,” was part of the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) project funded by UNICEF.

Other partners include the Ghana Police Service (DOVVSU), Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health service, Social Welfare and Community Development and the AAK District Assembly.

Mr. Ebenezer Kofi Nti, the Regional Director of CNC, gave an overview of the campaign, saying the initiative aimed to address the root causes of child marriage within communities and reduce its prevalence in the region.

Shedding light on the complex factors that fuel child marriage, such as gender disparities, poverty, social norms, cultural and traditional practices and teenage pregnancies, the campaign sought to harness the power of theater to educate and inspire community members and stakeholders to collectively combat child abuse. wedding.

Ms Yvonne A Kwarah, the District Social Welfare Director, characterized child marriage as a violation of human rights and a harmful traditional practice that disproportionately affects girls.

She emphasized that this harmful practice leads to numerous negative health and development consequences, hindering the economic and personal empowerment of girls.

She viewed child marriage as a critical development and human rights issue and emphasized the need for a concerted effort to address it.

Deputy Director of Nursing Services in the District, Mrs. Gladys Hannah Oppon, highlighted various socio-economic and cultural factors that contribute to child marriage.

These include education levels, teenage pregnancies, poverty and cultural norms such as early engagement, exchanging girls for marriage and pressure from influential individuals.

To address this issue, she emphasized the importance of strategies that focus on sustaining girls’ education, preventing teenage pregnancies, empowering girls economically and enforcing child marriage laws in Ghana.

Tailored advocacy programs should also be implemented to educate key stakeholders, as well as adolescent girls and boys, on the consequences of child marriage.

Ms Dorcas Tandoh, the District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, and Mr Isaac Ekow Mensah, the District Cultural Coordinator, urged children to report all forms of sexual and gender-based violence so that adequate redress is available.

GNA