Stop Cutting Our Clitoris – Otiko

The Minister for Gender, Children & Social Protection, Otiko Afisah Djaba, has served notice to proponents of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will be prosecuted since the practice is against the laws of Ghana.

As the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, Ms Djaba is appealing to all hands to be on deck to completely eradicate the archaic practice.

The day was set aside by the United Nations since 2003 to raise awareness as concerted efforts are combined to stem the canker.

“As we mark this day as part of our combined efforts with the UN and other social activist parties, we must remind ourselves that the elimination of FGM is a key target under SDGoal 5, we therefore call on our friends from the media to send this information to the furthest parts of the country and let the public know that the practice of FGM is a crime in Ghana.

“The law against FGM, ACT 741 of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana entitled Criminal Code (Amendment) Act 2007, provides for imprisonment and/or fines for both the circumciser and those who request, incite, or promote excision by providing money, goods, or moral support. The person who commits this offense is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than 10 years,” the outspoken Gender Minister averred in a statement to mark the day.

According to her, FGM is against the human rights of the victims and “the practice of FGM has serious implications on the health of the females in terms of maternal health, infant mortality, self-esteem, discrimination, stigma, and productivity.”

She added: “Indeed, the practice has no benefits for girls and women but rather in the name of ensuring fidelity in females, FGM exposes them to health hazards and psychological trauma. It causes severe bleeding, problems in urinating which can develop into cysts, infections, complications in children and increased risks of fistula during child birth.”

“We have come very far as the leading African country in our practice of democracy, the rule of law and the fight for human rights. After sixty years of independence THE TIME IS NOW FOR GHANA TO STOP FGM completely. We have to understand that ending FGM is not to be narrowed down as a women’s issue or a Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection problem. The fight to eradicate FGM must be addressed as a national crusade that would lead to sustainable development,” Ms. Djaba stressed.

Source: Peacefmonline