As the world commemorates International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has condemned the practice in Ghana. This was contained in a statement signed by the Minster for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cynthia Morrison.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection, Cynthia Morrison, it stated that the current national prevalence of the practice is about four percent.
The practice is however higher in some parts of Northern, Upper East and West Regions. According to the minister, ending FGM in Ghana is the responsibility of all and the fight to eradicate it must be addressed through a national crusade.
She urged law enforcement agencies not to hesitate in prosecuting anyone caught in the act. Persons who commit this offense is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than ten years.
“Parliamentarians, Chiefs, Religious Leaders, Traditional Rulers, Civil Society, the Media, the Youth, Faith-based Organizations, Community –Based Organizations, Men and Women must not to relent on all efforts to end this gruesome act which has no health benefit to women and children. Let us all speak out and condemn this practice as well as intensify public community-based awareness campaigns against FGM.”
“We as a community must demonstrate our commitment to protect our women and girls from human rights abuses to eliminate all forms of violence against them. FGM is a key target under the sustainable Development Gola5, so the need to consolidate the gains made and intensify the fight.”
"As we celebrate the day let us remind ourselves that FGM should not be tolerated for any reason, at any time, place or anybody", the statement concluded.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Regina Asamoah | [email protected]
