The Country Representative a.i. for UNFPA, Mr. Barnabas Yisa, a representative of UN Women, Ms. Tolu Lewis Tamoka and Queen Mothers from Unity Queens Platform of Obaapa Development Foundation, paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II and Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III to advocate for them to join the fight against Gender-based Violence, specifically child marriage.
The visit was also to request permission for the upcoming International Day of the Girl activities and to notify them of the serious problems related to child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and other related issues in the region. In his remarks, the Country Rep a.i. informed the monarch of UNFPA's decision to hold the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, in 2022. In order to create an effective program that will help lower the high rate of adolescent pregnancies in the Ashanti Region, he sought the backing of the monarch, the Asantehemaa, and the council.
The UN Women Rep. also added her voice to inform the house on what the UN Women does and their vehement interest in women issues and a common goal for women in the region to operate fully and freely in their capacity in every facet.
The Asantehene in response gave the go ahead and also added the importance of women to the Ashanti Kingdom and many others. He added that his wife Lady Julia will gladly be a part of the launch as she has been during the first launch in the Greater Accra region 10 years ago. He gave a very strong warning to all who violate the rights of adolescent girls by marrying them off by saying, ‘allow the girl to grow, decide whom to marry and when to marry.’
The delegation that visited the Manhyia Palace to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene and Asantehemaa.
