Female Genital Mutilation Still a Threat Despite Ghana’s Progress – MoGCSP, UNFPA Warn

 Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have sounded a strong warning that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a present and evolving risk, despite decades of progress in reducing its prevalence.

In a joint statement marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the two institutions emphasized that while Ghana criminalized the practice in the mid-1990s and has since seen a marked decline, new challenges are emerging. Families are increasingly resorting to cross-border practices, taking girls into neighbouring countries to evade Ghana’s legal framework.

“Ghana has made remarkable progress over the past three decades, but continued coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, particularly affected communities, are essential to sustain the progress,” said Dr. Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative.

FGM remains most persistent in parts of the Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, and Bono Regions, particularly in border districts where family ties and social norms extend beyond national boundaries. Girls from households affected by poverty, migration, or limited access to education face heightened risks.

Globally, more than 230 million women and girls are living with the consequences of FGM. Current projections warn that without renewed political commitment and investment, an additional 23 million girls could be subjected to the practice by 2030.

This year’s theme, “Towards 2030: No End To Female Genital Mutilation without Sustained Commitment And Investment,” underscores the need for continuous engagement with communities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and health workers. The Ministry and UNFPA stressed that legal reform alone cannot end the practice; lasting change requires predictable funding, stronger cross-border cooperation, and active participation from families and young people.

The statement concluded with a call to action: “Every effort taken today strengthens protection for girls and brings Ghana closer to a future where female genital mutilation no longer exists.”