Some three hundred and nine (309) students in the Gushegu Municipality in the Northern Region have failed to return to the classroom following the reopening of schools in January.
Out of that number, 119 of them are said to be primary school pupils. Again some 155 out of the number were Junior High School students while 35 of them were in Senior High School.
Municipal Girl Child Education Officer of the Gushegu Municipality, Sakina Salifu disclosed this at the 'End Child Marriage and Violence Against Children' dialogue organised by the World Vision and the Savannah Women Integrated Development (SWIDA-GH).
According to her, while some of the female students dropped out because they were pregnant, others left for the cities in search of greener pasture.
The rest are also alleged to have dropped out to learn a trade.
Madam Salifu said, this is just a small fraction of schools they have monitored adding that the number could be more.
She raised concerns about the lack of parental control which she stressed played a role in the development.
Concluding her address, Madam Salifu called for more sensitization programs for both parents and students.
On his part, the Cluster Programs Manager of World Vision for Gushegu and Karaga, Sergious Beforii said 19 children, consisting of 11 boys were trafficked to the Volta Region in June 2021.
He said the timely intervention of the assembly enabled authorities to halt the operation, and the children have since been reunited with their families.
Mr. Beforii noted that incidence of child marriage and teenage pregnancy is still on the rise in many communities in the area.
He said a UNICEF report indicated that one in every five girls in Ghana aged 18 to 24 years get married before the 18th birthday.
Director of the Savannah Women Integrated Development (SWIDA), Hajia Alima Segito Saeed used the platform to appeal to parents to stop giving out their adolescent children in marriage.
She urged the parents to support their children so they could pursue their ambitions instead.
She thanked World Vision for funding the project which she said is contributing immensely to awareness creation.
Latest Stories
-
Which will you vote for in 2024 Election: Honesty, Character, or Campaign Promises?
3 hours -
The ball is in Iran’s court after US pressure pays off
3 hours -
‘Japa’ sweeps Nigeria’s hospitals
4 hours -
Obuasi: Catholic Voices GH choral peace concert unites NPP, NDC
4 hours -
Lordina Supports NDC campaign in Ketu North with donation of medical equipment to Afife Health Centre
4 hours -
MTN Foundation delivers crucial technology tools to Eastern Regional Hospital
4 hours -
Galien Forum Africa: Enhaning African women’s role in climate and environmental crises
10 hours -
7th Galien Africa Forum ends with emphasis on health, innovation, and climate action in Africa
10 hours -
Ruthless Barcelona thrash Real Madrid to go 6 points clear
10 hours -
National Farmers’ Day scheduled for November 8
11 hours -
Samson’s Take: Why over 75% vote but only 5% join protests
12 hours -
Krachi East Chiefs applaud Bawumia for campaigning on issues with evidence
13 hours -
National Security Ministry dismisses Reuters’ claims that militants are using Ghana as logistical base
13 hours -
BOST and its CEO win big at 8th Ghana Energy Awards
14 hours -
Accused person in protest over alleged $3m BOST scandal discharged
15 hours