Chiefs urged to lead crusade against outmoded cultural practices

By Mohammed Balu, GNA

Sorbelle (UWR), April 2, GNA – The Chiefs and elders of Gandawii Traditional area in the Sissala West District, have been called upon to take lead campaign against outmoded and negative cultural practices.

The campaign should particularly be against practices that broadly dehumanize young girls and violated their fundamental human rights.

The Chiefs were told to target their campaign on ending female genital mutilation, elopement, child betrothal and early marriages, which were still common traditional practices in several Sissala communities in the Upper West Region.

Deputy Upper West Regional Minister Amidu Chinnia Issahaku who made the call when he addressed celebrants of Gandawii Nabahilme Festival said: “Some of these cultural practices are not only dehumanizing but also against the fundamental human rights of the victims”.

“I want to use this platform to plead with the Chiefs to take the lead role in the fight against outmoded cultural practices by reporting to the police to take action against people promoting this for prosecution”.

The 10th anniversary of the Gandawii Nabahilme Festival was celebrated in Sorbelle under the theme: “Celebrating ten years Gandawii unity and cultural revival”.

Mr Issahaku called on other stakeholders in the area to condemn degrading cultural practices in communities since it had no place in modern day Ghana.  

The Chiefs were commended for using the festival as the vehicle for promoting peace and unity as well as entrenching the values and identity of the people.

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