Upper West Chief declares zero tolerance for child marriage

Kuoro Abu Diaka Sukabe Ninia V, the Paramount Chief of the Zini Traditional Area, has declared zero tolerance for child marriage and gender-based violence against women, a situation that was widespread within communities in his area.

He described those cultural practices and many others as bad and militated against development of communities in the 21st Century where assaults against women and teen marriage had no place.

Kuoro Ninia V gave the declaration during the 8th “Buwaala Kelwie” Festival celebration of the Chiefs and people of Zini Traditional Area in the Sissala West District of Upper West (UW) Region.

He asked all chiefs in the Traditional Area to comply with the declaration and ensure that those found culpable of the acts were dealt with according to the dictates of the law and enjoined the chiefs to consider enskinning Queen Mothers in their jurisdictions to meet the new chieftaincy regulation requirements. The festivity was on the topic: “Consolidating peace, unity and development through culture: the role of stakeholders.”

Kuoro Ninia V noted that the theme provided the opportunity to consolidate and reflect on gains made from previous celebrations and to help shape social and economic aspirations of the people.

It also reinforced identity of the people by influencing peaceful actions for mutual relationship that bonded people of the Traditional Area.

Mr Mohammed Zackaria Bakor, the District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the people for instituting and sustaining the festival that had helped in promoting peace and development and said government was committed to continue to provide a peaceful and stable environment for law abiding citizens to go about their lawful activities.

He however added that the state would require full cooperation of the chiefs and community members to maintain peace and order. One of the greatest threats to national security and development was youth unemployment, he said, and urged the youth to take advantage of the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) to better their lots.

Mr Bakor listed projects being undertaken by the Assembly as the construction of a police post at Zini, completion of 3-unit classroom block at Niator, extension of electricity to Sangbaka and Bagbino, construction of Bullu-Sangbaka-Gbal feeder road and construction of dams at Gumo and Puzene under the “one-village-one-dam” initiative.