The Upper East Regional Minister-designate, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has vowed to collaborate with stakeholders to address the ongoing issue of child marriage in the region.

The practice remains a serious challenge, with many children under 18 years being forced into early marriages.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 27, Mr. Atanga expressed concern over the hidden nature of these practices.

According to him, many perpetrators operate in secrecy to evade the law.

“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,” Mr. Atanga stated.

To tackle this, he pledged to launch community sensitisation programmes aimed at educating the public on the dangers and legal consequences of child marriage.

These initiatives, he noted, would play a crucial role in raising awareness, safeguarding children’s rights, and curbing the practice.

“If I become the regional minister, I will have community sensitisation 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 sensitisation.”