Ghana Psychological Association condemns alleged marriage of 12-year-old girl
The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) has condemned the alleged traditional marriage between the Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII and a 12-year-old girl.
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A statement signed and issued by the Public Relations Officer of GPA, Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur, dated April 2, 2024, said the marriage did not only violate the rights of the child, but also poses significant risks to her mental well-being and overall development.
Citing the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), he emphasised that such a marriage violates the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which prohibits forcing children under 18 into betrothal, dowry transactions, or marriage.
“We believe that every child has the right to a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life”, he stated.
Asserting the child's entitlement to a safe and nurturing environment, Dr. Arthur underscored the psychological risks posed by child marriage, emphasising the importance of love and acceptance in a child's developmental journey.
“A developing child needs love, warmth and acceptance to grow well. Any other thing will result in major developmental deficits, and psychological problems which will impact negatively, their adult life”, he added.
He highlighted the detrimental effects of child marriage, including long-term psychological trauma such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which hinder proper development and rob children of their childhood.
Commending the Ghana Police Service for swiftly intervening to protect the girl and her mother, Dr. Arthur urged for further legal action against those responsible and called on relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the Department of Social Welfare to provide the girl with mental health support, including counselling and therapy.
He urged the government to reinforce existing laws safeguarding children from early and forced marriages and called upon traditional and religious leaders to advocate against such harmful practices and prioritise the safety and well-being of children in their communities.
“We thus, call on traditional and religious leaders to speak out against child marriage, and other harmful practices that destroy children, and to promote the safety, rights, and well-being of children in their communities”, he said.
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