Sharon Bakuchama: Leading the Fight Against Child Marriage in Northern Ghana

In Northern Ghana, where child marriage remains a persistent challenge, Sharon Bakuchama, a 25-year-old young woman, has emerged as a beacon of hope. The Creative Art and History teacher at a Junior School in Northern Ghana is a rightsholder of the She Leads project and a member of the Pan-African Advisory Board. Sharon has dedicated herself to combating child and exchange marriages in her community. Her journey, marked by resilience and unwavering commitment, exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots advocacy and youth leadership. 

Sharon’s engagement with the She Leads project began in November 2020 when implementing partners introduced the initiative to her community in northeast Ghana. Leading Lamgun, a female-led organization focused on addressing pressing local issues, she seized the opportunity to be part of a movement that aligned with her passion for girls’ rights. Through She Leads, Sharon and her organization secured a 15,000 Ghana Cedi (GHS) grant to tackle child and exchange marriages in three communities. 

Community Interventions and Challenges 

Recognizing the deeply rooted cultural norms sustaining child marriage, Sharon and her team engaged in extensive community outreach. They collaborated with district assemblies, institutions, and local leaders to challenge harmful traditional practices that saw girls as young as 7-9 years old being married off. While their initial efforts were met with resistance, persistent dialogue with chiefs and opinion leaders gradually led to a shift in attitudes. Community leaders, once defenders of tradition, became allies in the fight against child marriage. 

“At the beginning, we had a hard time getting the attention of our community leaders, because we are girls and young women, but since they saw the benefit of educating their girls, they have become our biggest supporters and cheerleaders,” said Sharon, smiling in fulfillment.  

Transforming Lives for Lasting Impact 

One of the most significant achievements of Sharon’s work has been the direct impact on the lives of young girls. Through intervention programs, several girls have escaped forced marriages and were given opportunities to pursue education or vocational training. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, Sharon and her team established a monitoring system by training youth ambassadors who report child marriage cases and provide necessary support to vulnerable girls. 

Her involvement in advocacy has expanded her horizons, affording her opportunities to travel internationally and network with influential figures, including UN Special Rapporteur Mama Fatima. 

“She leads is coming to an end, but that’s not the end of advocacy. We have just scratched the surface.” Confirms Sharon. 

Looking ahead, Sharon is determined to sustain the impact of her work beyond the lifespan of the She Leads project. She is spearheading efforts to register Laangum as a national organization, positioning it to continue advocacy work and apply for future grants. Additionally, she aims to strengthen collaborations with social welfare authorities to enhance intervention mechanisms and create platforms for youth-led advocacy coordination. 

A Legacy of Hope and Change 

Sharon Bakuchama’s story is a testament to the power of youth-driven activism in challenging harmful traditions and transforming communities. Her leadership, courage, and dedication to ending child marriage in Northern Ghana inspire a new generation of advocates. As she continues her fight, her impact serves as a reminder that with persistence, strategic engagement, and community support, lasting change is possible. 

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