Title "Mrs: not preserve of wedded wives - Lawyer

Any woman, who has contracted marriage under any of the three recognised forms in Ghana, namely customary, statutory and Muslim is entitled to the title "Mrs".

Ms Emelia Adjepong of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said the assertion that the title "Mrs' was the preserve of women who had contracted marriages under the statutory law was not correct.

Speaking at a workshop for 46 paralegals at Apam in the Central Region, on Ghana's marriage and divorce laws, she said since any of the three forms was recognised, women married under any of them could use the title "Mrs".

Ms Adjepong cautioned that women were not under any obligation to adopt their husbands' name and said it was against the rights of women who were forced to adopt their husbands' name.

She reminded Ghanaians that it was against the marriage law to conduct a wedding in an unregistered Church premise and by an unlicensed priest.

Ms Adjepong advised would be couples to ensure that the Priest, who officiated at their weddings and the church premise were licensed for the purpose to avoid their marriages from being annulled.

Mr Charles Habiah, also of FIDA, cautioned teachers against punishing students for the non-payment of school fees since the practice was against the rights of the child.

Speaking on the Rights of Children in Ghana, Mr Habiah said the payment of school fees was the responsibility of parents and guardians and it was, therefore, illegal for the child to be punished.

Ms Doris Aglobitse, AYA Programme Technical Officer, speaking on: "Sex and Gender", urged women not to use gender issue to challenge the authority of men.

She said the setting up of the Girls Education Unit within the Ghana Education Service should not be used to discriminate against boys.

The three-day workshop on adolescent reproductive health was organised by FIDA and sponsored by African Youth Alliance (AYA) to equip the participants with basic legal skills to identify and address adolescent problems.