Regional Minister-Designate to the Upper East Region, Donatus Atanga, has promised to eradicate the widespread practice of child marriages in the region.
He addressed the issue during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, highlighting that the practice is often carried out secretly to avoid detection. “The fight against child marriage requires a collective effort, and I am committed to working with all stakeholders to bring this practice to an end,” he stated.
Donatus Akamugri Atanga further revealed plans to engage relevant bodies and stakeholders in organizing sensitization programmes to educate communities on the harmful effects and legal ramifications of child marriage.
He emphasized that, if approved as Regional Minister, his efforts would focus on raising awareness, protecting children’s rights, and curbing the practice. “If I become the regional minister, I will have community sensitization on why it’s not right for them and constitutionally wrong for anybody to marry somebody under the age of 18 years. So, I will embark on that community sensitization,” Mr. Atanga affirmed.
