The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, has called for an end to child marriage and the protection of every girl's right to childhood, education, safety, dignity and opportunity, as the world marked the International Day of the Girl Child 2026.
In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Dr Charity Binka, the network said child marriage was neither a cultural necessity nor a solution to poverty, and must never be accepted as a girl's destiny.
AWLN Ghana said the practice stole childhood, disrupted education, exposed girls to serious health and protection risks and deprived them of the ability to make decisions about their lives.
It added that child marriage sustained inequality and poverty and undermined national development.
Reacting to this year's theme, "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights!", the network challenged stakeholders to match declarations with action. It said ending the practice required political will, effective law enforcement, sustained financing, community mobilisation and accountability, as well as confronting gender norms that devalue girls.
Transparent reporting
The network urged the government and policymakers to enforce laws against child marriage, hold perpetrators accountable and adequately resource child-protection institutions.
It also called for investment in quality education, social protection, healthcare and support services for girls at risk, backed by measurable targets and transparent reporting.
Traditional and religious leaders were urged to use their influence to challenge norms that sustain child marriage and strengthen community prevention and reporting.
Parents and guardians were told to keep girls in school and protect them from abuse, with the statement stressing that a daughter is not an economic burden to be transferred through marriage.
AWLN Ghana further called on civil society, development partners, the media and the private sector to expand mentorship, skills and psychosocial-support programmes, sustain public attention on the issue and support girls' education and economic empowerment.
It said girls must be allowed to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives and that those who have experienced child marriage or abuse must never be blamed or excluded, but given protection, education and care.
"Investing in girls is not charity; it is a human-rights obligation and an investment in Ghana's future," the statement said.
The network urged all stakeholders to move from promises to action and from awareness to accountability, adding that the measure of commitment is the number of girls kept in school and harmful practices ended.
