Kick against early marriage FOMWAG tells Muslim women

Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Ghana, FOMWAG is calling on all Muslim women to kick against early marriage and teenage pregnancy of the girl child.

The organization says the practice does not only retard the progress of the girl child in attaining high education but also it creates health and psychological problems for the girls.

The National Ameera of FOMWAG Hajia Hajara Telly made the call during the 20th Annual National conference of the organization at Wa in the Upper West Region.

GBC's Sualah Abdul-wahab reports that the conference attracted delegates from all the ten regions, politicians, academics, and a cross section of the public.

FOMWAG is a faith based organization made up of Muslim women groups in the country.

Its key objectives include promoting Islam, ensure good quality education children and promote peaceful co-existence among Muslim women groups.

This year’s conference focuses on the upbringing of children in contemporary Ghana: the role of Muslim Women in their total development.

The National Ameera of FOMWAG Hajia Hajara Telley said Muslim women must stand up against the practice of early marriage which truncates the dreams of girls in attaining high education.

She said the destruction of the moral fiber of society is having a negative toll on the development of the youth and wondered why there is a sudden upsurge in the quest to become getting rich among the youth.

Hajia Telly said the situation has contributed significantly to internet fraud popularly known as “Sakawa”, which compels some youth to do all manner of things.

The Ameera said the proper upbringing of children largely relies on the mother particularly the girl child. Hajia Telly therefore entreated mothers to show keen interest in the total development of their children.

The Imam of Taqwa Masid Alhaj Baba Dawud who spoke on the theme said children are influenced by the environment they live in.

Mothers should therefore behave well and serve as role models for their children.

Alhaji Dawud said it is the desire of all responsible parents to prepare their children for successful future. This he noted can only be achieved when appropriate measures are adopted with the mother being the central figure.

Upper West Regional Minister Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan lauded FOMWAG for the role it plays in promoting Islam.

Ahaji Alhassan said women form the bulk of farming population in the country and are bread winners of many homes.

He said ensuring proper upbringing of a child is critical and that the role of mothers in that regard cannot be overlooked.

He added that any nation that attempts to relegate the role of women to the background is likely to spell doom for itself.

The Regional Minister expressed worry over increasing indiscipline among the youth which he said impacts negatively on Islam.

The Regional Minister therefore entreated mothers to instill discipline in their wards so as to make them responsible citizens.

The Member of Parliament for Wa Central Rashid Pelpuo said Islam is one of the most peaceful regions in the world yet some so called Muslims have decided to go contrary to its practice by killing others in the name of protecting Islam.

He said most at times people who commit crimes turn out to be either Muslims or bearing Muslim names, a situation he described as worrisome.

Mr. Pelpuo asked the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to pursue their political ambitions because they are most likely to get into troubles when the politicians’ children are enjoying somewhere.

They were also solidarity messages from the office of the Regional Peace Council and other Muslim women organizations.

Next year’s conference is expected to be hosted by the Western Region.