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“When a girl learns, an entire community rises.” In Ghana, as in much of the world, when a girl is educated, her entire community flourishes. From improved health and economic stability to stronger leadership and societal cohesion, the ripple effects are profound and often underestimated.
Every additional year a girl spends in school increases her family’s health, and contributes to Ghana’s development goals. Despite challenges like poverty, teenage pregnancy and cultural barriers, recent policies such as Free Senior High School (Free-SHS) Programme are helping more girls to stay in school and also succeed.
THE IMPACT OF GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION IN GHANA
. Boosting Economic Opportunity
Studies show each additional year of primary education can increase a girl’s future earnings by 10-20%, and that figure jumps to around 25% for secondary education. Lifting families out of poverty and reinforcing economic resilience.
. Improving Health and Well-Being
A well-educated mother is more likely to have fewer, healthier children and to prioritise their health and education. Her literacy translates directly into better, nutrition, immunisation, and lastly access to health care for the family.
. Driving National Growth
Educated girls usually grow to become leaders and innovators. Their participation in education fuels national growth, reduces inequality and builds more stable and inclusive societies.
. Empowering Girls and Families
Educated girls are more likely to delay early marriages, avoid early pregnancies and also make informed decisions. Research shows that educated women( women with secondary education) are more likely to have fewer, healthier children and also ensure their own child have access to education. In Ghana this means breaking cycles of poverty and moreover uplifting families as well.
. Promoting Gender Equality
An educated girl grows into a confident woman who can take leadership roles in politics, science and business. In Ghana, where women are increasingly taking up leadership positions, expanding girls’ education ensures their voices are heard in decision-making.
. Supporting National Development
Educating the girl-child aligns with Ghana’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is the Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). By ensuring girls remain in school, Ghana builds a stronger, fairer society that benefits everyone.
CHALLENGES THAT MUST BE OVERCOME
. Poverty : Many families still struggle to afford uniforms, books and transportation for thier wards in terms of education.
Teenage Pregnancy : Early motherhood forces many girls to drop out from school.
Cultural Barriers : In some communities, boys’ education is prioritized over girls’. They allow only the boys to go to school and the girls will be at home doing chores such as cooking , cleaning and other domestic chores.
Menstrual Hygiene Issues : Lack of sanitary products and facilities keeps girls away from class.
Addressing this issues requires government, community and NGOs collaboration.
In conclusion, the importance of girl-child education in Ghana cannot be overstated. It is the key to breaking the cycles of poverty, empowering women and also building a stronger nation. When Ghana invests in the education of girl -child, it is not just teaching a child but rather transforming a society and securing the nation’s future.
As the saying goes, ” If you educate a man, you educate one person but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation” which was been stated by Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey who also advocated for girl -child education around 1875 -1927 thereof. And this message has remained powerfu,l rallying a call for girl-child education across Africa and the world.
Author: Betty Owusua Ansah
University of Education, Winneba
Department of Journalism and Media Studies.
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