A survey conducted by World Vision International has revealed that in Agortime Ziope in the Volta Region, about 24.5% of girls under 16 are being forced into child marriage.

The survey also reveals that 15% of the female population have fallen prey to teenage pregnancy.

This was revealed during a campaign against child marriage at Agortime Ziope in the Volta Region by World Vision International in collaboration with the Gender Department. 

The campaign dubbed "End Child Marriage Now" is to engage the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers as well as children on the dangers of child marriage.

Sponsorship and child protection officer for World Vision, Samuel Tseganu who spoke to the media noted the situation is worsening, hence, the sensitisation program, to educate the public.

Volta Regional Director for the Department of Gender, Mrs. Thywill Eyram Kpe, also noted with worry the alarming rate at which the cases are being brought to the department. She therefore called for collaborative efforts to put a stop to the menace.

Some of the school children who spoke with JoyNews listed peer pressure, poverty and lack of good parental care as some of the factors that result in child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

Meanwhile, a Child Protection Committee has been constituted to address the challenges facing the community.