The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have jointly marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), emphasising that the practice continues to pose a serious concern in Ghana.

In a statement issued today, the agencies noted: “Female Genital Mutilation is neither a cultural rite nor a private family practice. It is a violation of the fundamental rights of women and girls and tends to cause irreversible harm to life, health, and freedom from cruel treatment. The consequences are long-term and cumulative.”

Ghana has taken a strong stance against FGM for over three decades. Its criminalisation in the mid-1990s, reinforced by subsequent legal amendments, established a clear national standard and contributed to a marked decline in prevalence. The agencies highlighted that: “The law affirmed that violence against girls, even when justified as tradition, would not be tolerated.”

However, they warn that legislative success has created new challenges. “Rather than abandoning FGM, babies and girls are taken across the national borders into neighbouring countries to evade Ghana’s legal framework. This cross-border shift pushes the practice into secrecy, complicates detection and enforcement, and exposes girls to more dangers the law was meant to prevent.”

FGM remains most persistent in parts of the Upper East, Upper West, Savanna, and Bono Regions, particularly around border communities where social and family networks extend beyond national boundaries. Girls from households affected by poverty, migration, displacement, or limited access to education face heightened risk.

Globally, more than 230 million girls and women are living with the consequences of FGM. Projections indicate that, without renewed political commitment and investment, an additional 23 million girls could be subjected to the practice by 2030. “For Ghana, these figures serve as a stark warning that the gains achieved over the past 30 years are fragile and reversible,” the statement said.

This year’s theme, “Towards 2030: No End To Female Genital Mutilation without Sustained Commitment And Investment,” underscores the need for national action involving traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and all well-meaning Ghanaians.

The Ministry and UNFPA are strengthening community-based surveillance in high-risk areas, expanding safe spaces for girls, and integrating FGM prevention into education, sexual and reproductive health services, and child protection programmes. Efforts are also underway to improve cross-border collaboration and information sharing.

Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative, said: “Ghana has made remarkable progress over the past three decades, but continued coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, particularly affected communities, are essential to sustain the progress. Ending FGM requires stronger cross-border cooperation, consistent funding for community-led initiatives, and active participation from families, professionals, traditional leaders, and young people.”

The Ministry reiterated its commitment: “We are calling for the enforcement of the law while engaging more closely with affected communities to prevent and protect vulnerable girls from any harmful practices.”

As Ghana observes the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the agencies urged the public to recognise the practice as a present and evolving risk, stressing that every action taken today strengthens protection for girls and brings the nation closer to a future free of female genital mutilation.