Navrongo: Kaana Manga Women Association, a gender advocacy group in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region, has expressed concern over the resurgence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in certain communities within the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the concern was raised during this year's International Women's Day celebration held in Navrongo, under the theme, 'Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.' The event was organized by Our Lady of Mercy Community Services (OLAM), a gender-focused NGO, with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and the German Embassy of Ghana. It attracted numerous stakeholders.
Mrs. Florence Bobi, Chairperson of the group, articulated the concerns, noting that some parents in remote areas of the region are transporting their daughters to neighboring Burkina Faso for FGM procedures. She explained that these parents believe FGM is a way to control their daughters' sexual urges and prevent teenage pregnancies, which has led to the practice's resurgence.
Mrs. Bobi emphasized the need for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to empower grassroots organizations to conduct sensitization programs in affected communities to address the issue.
Mrs. Matilda Yelbaya, a group member and retired nurse, highlighted the importance of the Ministry organizing multisectoral stakeholder engagements. These should include traditional rulers, opinion leaders, parents, and FGM perpetrators and aim to provide alternative livelihoods for the perpetrators.
Mrs. Anastasia Musah, another group member, pointed out that many men are neglecting their parental responsibilities, leaving women unable to meet all the needs of their daughters. This neglect, she stressed, makes young girls vulnerable to exploitation and pregnancy. She urged men to take responsibility for their parental roles.
Emmanuel Atiiga, Executive Director of OLAM, praised the Kaana Manga Women Association for their advocacy against harmful cultural practices affecting women and girls. He acknowledged their efforts through radio programs and pledged continued support for their initiatives.
