The Education Directorate of the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) on Tuesday October 11, 2022, celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child at the West African Senior High school (WASS).
The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated each year to direct people’s attention to the challenges facing girls and to promote girls’ empowerment towards the fulfilment of their human rights.
The Girl Child Coordinator, Ms Adjoa Akyenba Ampah said adolescent girls had right to education, safe and healthy life, not only in their critical formative years but also as they mature into women.
She said, “If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world-both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads and political leaders.”
The Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Kean Adjei Appiah admonished all to prioritize issues concerning the rights of the girl child since she plays a key role in society. He also reminded the girl child of her role in ensuring a brighter future.
Mr. Appiah said the government “Re-entry policy” had now paved way for teenage pregnancy to continue their education after given birth.
The Municipal Chief Executive of LaNMMA, was particularly concerned about the issues of sexual harassment and the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy in the municipality.
“I am very particular about issues concerning sexual harassment. Often times when we talk about sexual education, it’s an area we all shy from but the reality is that we must deal with it,” the MCE lamented.
She told the girls that their future starts from now, irrespective of their age and urged the young girls to strive harder, aspire to be great women in future from today. The MCE also used the opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders including teachers, guidance and counselling units to help protect the right of the girl child.
This year’s celebration which was a commemorative of a decade of girl’s right was on the theme “Our Time is now, Our Right, Our Future’’.
The audience were entertained with performances from WASS Cadet made up of only females, WASS School Band as well as drama show by the Danfa education circuit on the importance of educating the girl child.
SOURCE: ISD-LaNMMA
