Girl Rescued From Forced Marriage

Ashanti Regional Department of the Social Welfare has rescued a 15-year-old girl whose parents were about to force her into marriage.

Zaliya Mohammed had been slated for marriage next month to a man in his thirties based in Cote d’Ivoire.

She had threatened suicide if her relatives went ahead with the marriage process.

Following the broadcast of a story on her predicament, the Social Welfare Department intervened to halt the process.

Zaliya is now in the protective care of Asokore Mampong Deputy Imam, who intervened for the family against possible sanctions.

Her mother and uncle had sought to justify their action, insisting the girl had been betrothed by her late father to the would-be husband.

Asokore Mampong Municipal Director of Social Welfare, Esther Apraku Nyarko, visited the family house to order the family to abandon the illegal move.

She warns if the relatives prove difficult, the office will file charges against them.