At age fifteen, Hannah’s childhood was taken away when she was forced into marriage and later became a teenage mother, putting her education on the verge of collapse.
But against rejection, stigma and ridicule, she fought her way back into the classroom. Today, Hannah has completed senior high school, carrying with her a story of courage, resilience and hope.
In 2023, I met the then fifteen-year-old Hannah at Gundork Junior High School in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. She was a young girl whose life had taken a painful turn far beyond her age.
Hannah was in Form Three, preparing to complete her basic education, but while her colleagues looked ahead to the future, she was struggling with a reality she never chose — a forced marriage arranged by her parents.
Her parents had accepted six bottles of locally brewed gin, cola, six guinea fowls and 300 cedis as bride price from a man more than three times her age.
The man, who was already married with children, divorced his wife and married Hannah, a situation that raised concerns under Ghana’s laws on child marriage.
When I first met Hannah, she had returned to school but was still living under the same roof with the man she was forced to marry.
Ironically, she attended the same school as his children.
Child marriage remains a challenge in some communities within the Nabdam District, and Hannah represents one of many young girls whose childhoods have been interrupted by early marital unions.
For Hannah, the marriage brought no happiness. She wanted to leave, but her parents were unwilling to take her back.
During one of my interactions with her at school, I noticed changes in her body that she had not paid attention to.
I suspected she was pregnant.
To confirm, I took her to a nearby Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound for a test.
Five minutes later, the result was ready.
Hannah was pregnant.
Her education was suddenly threatened, but she refused to give up.
In her class were two other teenage mothers — Veronica and Mary — who also delivered after writing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), leaving their education uncertain.
For Hannah and Veronica, I sought admission to Kongo Senior High School, the only second-cycle institution in the Nabdam District, after the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection intervened to dissolve the forced marriage.
Mary also secured admission to Zuarungu Senior High School.
Years later, the three girls have successfully completed senior high school after sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
“When I was in Form One, it was difficult because I had to ride a bicycle to school every day. But today, I am happy that I am completing Kongo Senior High School,” Hannah said.
She expressed gratitude for the support she received, saying, “I want to thank you. May God bless you. God will help you.”
I returned to meet Hannah and Veronica after their final examination paper.
They described the journey as difficult, but one worth fighting for.
Now eighteen, Hannah still remembers the emotional pain of being mocked by some colleagues whenever she left campus to breastfeed her daughter.
“It was not easy for me because I had to wake up early, bathe, feed and take care of my child before coming to school. I was always late for class. My colleagues laughed at me, thinking I was a bad girl. I was not feeling okay. Today, I am happy that I am completing school. I never thought a day like this would come,” she said, fighting back tears.
But beyond the ridicule, Hannah found the strength to continue.
Assistant Head Teacher of Kongo Senior High School, Bertha Sando, who supported Hannah’s admission, said the young mother has now become a source of inspiration to other girls facing similar challenges.
“Hannah is one of those who have turned into a counsellor for her colleagues and juniors because there are more girls facing her situation. She advises them,” she said.
The Headmaster, Martin Dito, also expressed satisfaction with Hannah’s transformation.
“At the time you got here, Hannah was so happy that she was completing school. Her friends who saw her predicament started pouring powder on her because of the excitement. She is full of hope that the future will be bright for her,” he told 3news.com.
He thanked TV3 for supporting Hannah’s journey, adding that she has the potential to contribute meaningfully to Ghana.
As final-year boarding students left campus after completing their examinations, I followed Hannah home to meet her parents.
There was a moment of joy as Hannah’s mother welcomed her home, proud to see her daughter free from a marriage that once threatened her future.
Hannah has become the first daughter in her family to complete senior high school.
Her mother, Azumah Akoligo, dropped out of school in Class Two.
She admits she has learnt her lesson and promises none of her daughters will be forced into early marriage.
“I dropped out of school in Class Two and could not continue my education. I had always wanted all my children to go to school. Hannah’s situation has been an eye-opener for me, and with my toil and hard work, I will strive to see the rest of my children through their education, with the help of God,” she said.
For Hannah, the journey is not over.
While she celebrates her education, she faces another challenge, the father of her child has refused to take responsibility after the breakdown of their relationship.
But Hannah holds on to one belief: her past will not define her future.
Her story may not be the first, but it reflects the courage, resilience and determination of young girls who continue to defy the odds in pursuit of a better future.
By Stanley Nii Blewu
