Three girls miss BECE in Savannah Region due to alleged forced marriages
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Three teenage girls, aged 13 to 16, reportedly missed the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination BECE in Yapei, Savannah Region, due to alleged forced marriages. Residents stated the girls were preparing for the exams but were married off after their families reportedly agreed to arrangements before the exams began on May 4, 2026. The District Chief Executive for Central Gonja, Mahama Fuseini, confirmed the incident on May 7, 2026, expressing regret and disappointment. He called the incident unfortunate and unacceptable, emphasizing that the teenagers' welfare and future were hindered. Fuseini indicated that the district assembly will work with the Department of Social Welfare and other stakeholders to rescue the girls and return them to school, highlighting education as a key tool for empowering girls and breaking the cycle of poverty. This incident has reignited discussions about child marriage and its impact on young girls in rural communities, particularly in northern Ghana.
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Must ReadDr. Nana Ayew Afriye, Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, has called for the immediate resignation of Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo. This follows Ocloo's comments, captured in a viral video, suggesting that postings to Northern Ghana are perceived as a form of punishment. Dr. Ayew Afriye described the remarks as offensive and unfortunate, stating that such comments deepen national divisions and reinforce negative perceptions. He emphasized that public officials must be cautious with their utterances. Despite Ocloo's apology, where she described her remarks as a "slip in communication" and not reflective of her views or government policy, Dr. Ayew Afriye maintains that the nature of the comments warrants her resignation. Ocloo explained her comments were made while addressing concerns about alleged irregularities among public service technocrats and has appealed for forgiveness from Ghanaians, particularly those in the northern regions.
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The Ghana National Association of Teachers GNAT is seeking justice from the Regional Security Council and a rubber processing company following alleged severe beatings and molestation of teachers from Adiewoso Basic School in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, April 30, 2026, involved men believed to be military officers. Some teachers sustained injuries and are traumatized. Residents reported that tension began on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, when purported military men arrived, allegedly invited by a rubber processing company to stop illegal miners on a nearby plantation. After a confrontation with miners, the officers reportedly left but returned on April 30, allegedly assaulting several residents, including three teachers. The Wassa West District Vice Chairman of GNAT, Daniel Mensah, stated that the teachers, including the headteacher and a female teacher, were assaulted despite showing their GNAT identity cards to prove they were not involved in mining. Mensah reported that the soldiers ignored their pleas, ordered them to lie down, and whipped them repeatedly, causing visible injuries. The teachers reported the incident to Abura Police Station and sought medical treatment. GNAT has condemned the actions as inhumane and barbaric, warning of further action if authorities, including the Regional Security Council, the rubber processing company, and the Ghana Education Service, do not respond favorably within two weeks.
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