Factors Contributing to Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Unions in Savannah and North East Regions of Ghana: A Mixed Methods Study

Eunice Sefa, Fhi 360
Gretchen Thompson, Fhi 360
Ransford Mensah, FHI 360
Rachel Lenzi, FHI 360
Rose Wilder, FHI 360
Hudi Alhassan, FHI 360
Ebenezer Kye Mensah, Fhi 360
Felicity Nelson, FHI 360
Joshua Amo-Adjei, University of Cape Coast
Charles Atanga, University of Cape Coast
Joshua Okyere, University of Cape Coast
Erin Sullivan, USAID
Mahama Seidu, Ghana Health Service/Health Promotion Division
Matthew Owusu, Ghana Health Service/Health Promotion Division

Child, early, and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU) are human rights violations and remain a significant issue in Ghana, especially in the northern regions where prevalence is highest (27.8%, compared to the national average of 19.3%). Despite the availability of evidence on a global and national scale, regional data is scarce, particularly regarding cultural and socio-economic factors associated with CEFMU. To address this gap, the authors conducted a mixed-methods study in May-June 2024 in the North East and Savannah regions of northern Ghana, surveying 1,405 people aged 15-24 and conducting 24 focus group discussions with parents and community opinion leaders. Among all respondents aged 15-24, 6.8% reported ever being married and doing so below age 18 (9.2% of females and 1.0% of males). Key drivers of CEFMUs identified include teenage pregnancy, poverty, early sexual debut, lower education, and lower levels of hope for the future. These findings underscore the need for targeted social and behavior change interventions, focusing on promoting girls' education, improving access to modern contraception and sexual and reproductive health information, and addressing cultural norms associated with early marriage. Additionally, efforts must combat the stigmatization of pregnant teenagers and social norms that see marriage as a solution.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Fertility, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Family Planning and Contraception

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