The Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mariam Awemoni, has raised alarm over the increasing rate of child marriages in the region, describing the trend as a major concern despite ongoing efforts by stakeholders to curb the practice.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Class 91.3 FM’s regional correspondent Moses Apiah, ASP Awemoni described the situation as “a serious headache,” noting that incidents of child marriage continue to rise, especially in the Bongo District.

She explained that DOVVSU, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), frequently intervenes to rescue victims and reintegrate them into school.

However, the challenge persists despite awareness campaigns and community sensitisation.

“For child marriage, I once told the Bongo Chief that it will take a very strong and sustained effort to fight it because while we are battling it, the numbers keep rising,” she lamented.

“In most cases, the education office helps us by reporting incidents, and we quickly intervene to ensure the child is rescued and returned home.”

ASP Awemoni revealed that DOVVSU does not hesitate to prosecute offenders to serve as a deterrent.

However, she said the process often becomes complicated when victims are already pregnant.

“At that point, it becomes a major challenge because the parents are usually unable to provide adequate support for the victim.

We then ensure that the offender takes full responsibility for both the girl and the unborn baby,” she explained.

She further expressed concern over what she described as a growing trend of collusion between families of victims and perpetrators, which often obstructs justice.

“When it’s time to arrest the perpetrator, both families sometimes connive to frustrate the process, making enforcement very difficult,” she noted.

ASP Awemoni reaffirmed DOVVSU’s commitment to intensifying collaboration with social welfare officers, community leaders, and other partners to support victims and strengthen the fight against child marriage in the Upper East Region.

She emphasised that sustained community education, strict law enforcement, and strong stakeholder coordination are key to protecting children—especially girls—from early and forced marriages.