The Executive Director of Communal Care Centre Mrs. Collete Bennett has called for an end to child marriage and increased investment in the rights, education and overall development of the girl child.
She made the call in a message marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, emphasising the need to protect girls from harmful practices and create opportunities for them to realise their full potential.
Mrs. Bennett noted that child marriage deprives girls of their childhood, disrupts their education and exposes them to serious health, emotional and social challenges.
She stressed that every girl deserves the opportunity to grow in a safe environment, acquire quality education and make informed decisions about her future, without being subjected to early marriage or other forms of discrimination.
The Communal Care Centre Executive Director also urged governments, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect girls’ rights.
She advocated increased investment in education, healthcare, skills acquisition and programmes that empower girls, while calling for stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage and other harmful practices affecting children.
Mrs Bennett maintained that investing in the girl child is essential to building a just, inclusive and prosperous society, noting that educated and empowered girls are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to community and national development. She therefore urged communities to challenge cultural practices that undermine girls’ rights and work collectively towards a future where every girl can live free from violence, discrimination and child marriage.
Stanley Okehie
Communications Officer, CCC
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