“Let Girls Be Girls, Not Mothers”: 14-Year-Old Priscilla Appeals to Traditional Leaders, Government

A 14-year-old student, Priscilla Amoadzah, has made a passionate appeal to traditional leaders and the government to strengthen measures to protect girls from teenage pregnancy, early marriage and harmful cultural practices that threaten their education and future aspirations.

Priscilla, a student of Tafi Mador D/A Junior High School (JHS), made the appeal as Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, using the occasion to call for urgent action to safeguard the rights, dignity and potential of young girls, particularly those in rural communities.

Speaking to the media and staff of Plan International Ghana after taking over as the organisation’s Country Director under its Girls Takeover initiative, Priscilla highlighted how early pregnancy and child marriage can rob girls of their childhood, disrupt their education and limit their opportunities to achieve their dreams.

“When you force us into motherhood before we are ready, you lock away our potential. We want to be in the classroom, we want to become leaders, and we want to help build Ghana. We cannot do that if our childhood is cut short,” she said.

Her message was clear: girls should be given the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, pursue their education and determine their futures without being forced into adult responsibilities before they are ready.

The young advocate directed her appeal to traditional authorities and the government, urging them to enforce protective laws and intensify efforts to end harmful cultural practices that expose girls to exploitation and threaten their well-being.

She stressed the need for concerted action to ensure that girls, especially those in rural communities, can grow up in safe environments, remain in school and pursue their ambitions without the threat of early marriage or teenage pregnancy.

Her intervention brought renewed attention to the importance of community leadership and government action in addressing the barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.

Country Director of Plan International Ghana, Muniratu Issifu, who was present at the event, acknowledged Priscilla’s call for action and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the government, traditional leaders and other key stakeholders to improve the safety and well-being of girls.

She underscored the importance of collective efforts to create safer school environments, protect girls’ rights and ensure that they remain in school to pursue their educational goals.

The Girls Takeover initiative provides a platform for girls to step into leadership roles and draw attention to issues affecting their lives, allowing them to share their experiences and call on decision-makers to take action.

Staff of Plan International Ghana also used the occasion to reflect on progress made towards girls’ empowerment and the work that remains to be done to address the challenges confronting young girls.

They stressed that protecting girls from early marriage, teenage pregnancy and other harmful practices is not merely a moral responsibility but also essential to the country’s social and economic development.

Priscilla’s appeal served as a reminder that girls should not have to sacrifice their education, childhood or aspirations because of circumstances that can be prevented through stronger protection, community support and sustained action.

For the 14-year-old student, the message to leaders and society is simple: girls deserve the freedom to learn, grow and dream before taking on the responsibilities of motherhood.

“Let girls be girls, not mothers.”