Navro-Pio leads historic declaration against child marriage in Navrongo Traditional Area
At a durbar on September 25 at Pungu Central Park, the Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, Pe Asagpaare Aneakwoa Balinia Adda II, flanked by his chiefs and community leaders, publicly proclaimed the decision.
Traditional leaders in the Navrongo Traditional Area have officially declared an end to child marriage, following a two-day workshop held from Tuesday, September 23 to Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Navrongo Health Research Centre.
At a durbar on September 25 at Pungu Central Park, the Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, Pe Asagpaare Aneakwoa Balinia Adda II, flanked by his chiefs and community leaders, publicly proclaimed the decision.
“No more child marriage in Navrongo. Anyone who goes against this will be punished for it.” the Navro-Pio declared to a large crowd.
The initiative, championed by the Obaapa Development Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was themed “Ending Child Marriage in Ghana, One Paramountcy at a Time – The Role of Traditional Leaders.”
The Executive Director of Obaapa Development Foundation, Nana Hemaa Awindor, expressed her joy at the traditional council’s decision.
“Today is an amazing day to me, it’s a beautiful day, it’s a very happy day for me because anytime we do human-centered programs, we do workshops, international programs, we always concentrate maximum.”
She explained that Navrongo was deliberately chosen for the campaign because of the strong commitment of the Navro-Pio and his elders.
“We came here because we found a development-oriented chief who we know, when we are done with this engagement, will follow up and take care of the program.” She added.
A representative of UNFPA, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, highlighted the personal and social urgency of the campaign. He revealed that his own advocacy is partly inspired by his sister, who was married off as a child, and also by the plight of many young girls denied opportunities through early marriage.
“I come to talk about child marriage and the role of traditional leaders partly because I do it as a way to pay back one of my sisters who was married as a child. But I also do it because of the many children, girls, or the girl child, who are married off at their tender age and denied a lot of opportunities in life.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Alhaji Muhammed Sagu, urged traditional and religious leaders to use their moral authority to protect children’s rights.
“Your voices as chiefs carry weight, and your teachings resonate deeply within the hearts of your people. Therefore, it is essential that you use this influence to cultivate a culture that values our children, respects their rights, and empowers them to reach their full potential.”
The durbar brought together chiefs, government officials, students, teachers, women’s groups, and parents, who pledged their collective commitment to ending child marriage in the Navrongo Traditional Area.
Mike 105.FM | Navrongo | Alexander Kubabom
