Ghana’s progress in eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM) is facing a new test, as authorities warn the harmful practice has not disappeared but instead shifted beyond the country’s borders.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, together with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM with a renewed call for vigilance. According to a joint statement issued Friday, FGM should not be regarded as a cultural or family matter but as a violation of the rights and dignity of girls and women.
The agencies stressed that the effects are permanent and wide-ranging, often damaging health, wellbeing and freedom from inhumane treatment for a lifetime.
Laws reduced cases — but created a new pattern
Ghana outlawed FGM more than three decades ago, beginning with criminalisation in the mid-1990s and strengthened through later amendments. The legal framework significantly reduced reported cases and sent a clear message that harmful traditions would not be tolerated.
However, success has led to a new challenge.
Instead of ending the practice, some families now transport babies and young girls to neighbouring countries where enforcement is weaker. Authorities say this cross-border trend makes monitoring difficult and increases the danger to victims.
Border regions remain vulnerable
FGM is still most common in parts of the Upper East, Upper West, Savanna and Bono Regions, particularly in border communities where cultural ties extend across national boundaries.
Girls living in poverty, displaced households, migrant families or those without access to education face the highest risk.
Globally, over 230 million women and girls are already living with the consequences of FGM. Without sustained action, another 23 million could undergo the procedure by 2030 — a projection the agencies describe as a warning that Ghana’s gains could be reversed.
Renewed commitment toward 2030 goal
This year’s theme — “Towards 2030: No End to Female Genital Mutilation without Sustained Commitment and Investment” — highlights the need for broader collaboration involving traditional leaders, faith leaders, civil society and citizens.
Authorities say new measures include:
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Strengthening community surveillance in high-risk areas
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Expanding safe spaces for girls
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Integrating prevention into education and health services
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Improving child protection systems
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Enhancing cross-border information sharing
UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Wilfred Ochan noted that while Ghana’s progress is commendable, ending the practice requires continued coordination, funding and participation from communities and families.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its intention to strictly enforce the law while increasing engagement with affected populations to protect vulnerable children.
A present danger, not a past issue
As the country observes the global awareness day, officials emphasised that FGM should not be seen as an outdated problem but an evolving one. Every intervention today, they say, moves Ghana closer to eliminating the practice entirely and safeguarding future generations of girls.
