The annual event was organized by local women and child rights advocacy Non Governmental Organization, Songtaba, in partnership with Plan International Ghana.

The celebrants comprising some selected female students from the region, admonished all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to join the bandwagon.

A communiqué read by a representative of the Girls Advocacy Alliance (GAA), Miss Aisha Zakaria, stated that, “Child marriage is a clear violation of children’s basic human rights, and the victims should be supported and empowered to acquire higher academic laurels.”

She emphasized the need for the MMDAs and central government to sponsor girl child education at all levels.

She also urged duty bearers to strictly enforce laws frowning upon all forms of girl child abuse.

The Gushiegu District Chief Executive (DCE), Musah Iddi, unveiled government’s plan to establish a model school for girls.

This, according to him, forms part of the Assembly’s forward march to fight early marriage, and also promote girl child education there.

Musah Iddi bemoaned inadequate female teachers in the area for which reason there is the need to overturn the situation.

According to UNICEF, in Ghana, one in every five girls is in marriage or in an informal union or cohabitation arrangement.

In Northern Ghana, it is one in every three girls. The incidence of child marriage in the area is attributed to negative cultural practices, religious beliefs, poverty, peer pressure, illiteracy and parental irresponsibility.

Currently, Plan International Ghana is supporting Songtaba with funding under its Girls Advocacy Alliance project, to curb the menace of child marriage, and other forms of right violations in five districts of Northern Region over a period of five years.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The 22:00-05:00 curfew, imposed by Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, had already ended in most of the country.

Friday’s TV announcement said the decision to lift it altogether was taken amid an “improved” situation “and in order to improve tourism”.

The coup followed protests to oust the government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra.

At least 28 people were killed and several hundred injured during the unrest.

The army’s removal of the elected government drew widespread international criticism.

The military has since cracked down on dissent, detaining hundreds of potential opponents and releasing them with warnings about their future behaviour.

It has also embarked on a “happiness campaign” in an attempt to subdue opposition to the coup, which has seen a number of policy gimmicks, such as free haircuts, concerts and World Cup match screenings.

Meanwhile, corruption investigators have widened their inquiry into Ms Yingluck, investigating her private assets.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation is connected to a rice-subsidy scheme, in which the government bought rice from farmers at above-market prices to boost rural incomes.

The commission had already indicted Ms Yingluck over charges of dereliction of duty, saying that she failed to heed advice that the scheme was potentially wasteful and prone to corruption.

The current deadlock dates from 2006, when the military ousted Ms Yingluck’s brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, in a coup.

Both have strong support in rural and northern areas, propelling them to successive election wins.

However, many in the middle class and urban elite, who comprise the heart of the anti-government movement that began in November 2013, oppose them bitterly.

Source: BBC

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In a televised statement, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said the military would restore order and enact political reforms in the South-East Asian nation.

The coup came after two days of inconclusive talks between the main political factions.

Thailand has been in political turmoil for months.

On Tuesday the army imposed martial law.

A curfew has now been declared, effective across the country from 22:00 to 05:00 local time.

Political party leaders, including opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban, were taken away from the talks venue after troops sealed off the area.

Troops have reportedly fired into the air to disperse groups of rival supporters.

Gen Prayuth said in his TV address: “In order for the situation to return to normal quickly and for society to love and be at peace again… and to reform the political, economic and social structure, the military needs to take control of power.”

The latest unrest began in the Thai capital late last year, when then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved the lower house of parliament.

Demonstrators have blockaded several areas of Bangkok for months.

Earlier this month, a court ordered Ms Yingluck’s removal for alleged abuse of power.

Thailand has faced a power struggle since Ms Yingluck’s brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted by the military as prime minister in 2006.

Mr Thaksin and Ms Yingluck have strong support in rural areas and among poorer voters.

Correspondents say they are hated by an urban and middle-class elite who accuse them of corruption and abuse of power.

Source: BBC

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The surprise announcement also granted the army sweeping powers to enforce its decision.

The military insisted it was not a coup. Soldiers have taken over TV and radio stations, and blocked off roads in the capital, Bangkok.

Martial law comes after months of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition.

Correspondents say the move could enrage supporters of the government, especially if it is seen as amounting to a coup. The army has staged at least 11 coups since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932.

‘No need to panic’

Soldiers have moved into the main government building in Bangkok, which has been unoccupied following months of violent demonstrations by opponents who want to be rid of an administration they say is corrupt.

The military has also ordered media censorship in the interests of “national security”.

Both pro and anti-government protesters have been told not to march anywhere in order to prevent clashes.

Source: BBC

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