Naana Adiki Manyeyo Adi I leads campaign to end child marriage in Ada East

Juliet Dede Gberbi assumes UNICEF Ghana leadership for Day of the Girl

To mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl, young students from three regions across Ghana assumed leadership positions at UNICEF offices in a symbolic "Girls Takeover." Organized by Plan International Ghana, the event provided a platform for young girls to advocate for their rights, focusing specifically on the urgent need to end child marriage and increase investment in female education. The takeover highlighted the potential of young girls when given the space to lead and influence policy discussions that directly affect their lives. Juliet Dede Gberbi, who stepped into the role of acting UNICEF Country Representative for the day, led the call for more robust protections for girls. She emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for empowerment and urged stakeholders to ensure every girl in Ghana has access to quality schooling without the threat of being forced into early marriage. The initiative, held under the theme "End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights," sought to bring national attention to the systemic barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. Participants voiced particular concern over the prevalence of early and forced marriages in rural communities, where traditional practices and economic pressures often truncate a girl's education. By occupying roles typically held by senior international officials, the girls demonstrated their capacity to articulate complex social issues and propose solutions. They demanded that the government and international partners prioritize girls' rights in their developmental agendas, ensuring that protection mechanisms are both accessible and effective in remote areas. In response to the takeover, UNICEF’s Anne Kariuki acknowledged the critical issues raised by the young leaders and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to child protection. She noted that hearing directly from the beneficiaries of UNICEF’s programmes helps refine their advocacy and operational strategies. The event concluded with a renewed pledge from both UNICEF and Plan International Ghana to continue working alongside young people to eliminate harmful practices and foster an environment where every girl can thrive safely.