How organizations have responded to an alleged child marriage in Ghana
Numerous organizations in Ghana have reacted strongly to reports of an alleged marriage between a 12-year-old girl and Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII.
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The incident, which surfaced on Saturday, March 30, 2024, through visuals shared by Ablade Online TV, has sparked widespread criticism and concern.
Mantse Odaifio Welentsi, a figure endorsing the marriage, defended the ceremony citing a longstanding custom that requires the priest to marry a virgin. However, this justification has faced significant backlash, especially considering the young age of the bride.
In response to this controversy, several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have issued statements expressing their viewpoints and concerns.
The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) condemned the alleged marriage, highlighting its violation of the child's rights and the potential risks to her mental well-being and overall development. They emphasized that child marriage is a severe form of abuse that can lead to long-lasting psychological trauma.
OccupyingGhana, a political pressure group, called for legal action against the Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, describing the marriage as archaic, illegal, and a form of pedophilia disguised as tradition.
Amnesty International Ghana urged thorough investigations by the Ghana Police Service to hold accountable all individuals involved in the alleged child marriage, stressing the violation of the girl's fundamental rights.
The Accra Human Rights Forum International (AHRFI) termed the act as "unlawful" and emphasized that child betrothal is forbidden under Ghanaian laws, urging respect for the rights of children.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-GHANA) condemned the marriage, emphasizing that Ghana's Constitution prohibits acts that infringe upon the rights of all persons, including children.
The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) warned about the dangers of accepting child marriages, citing potential risks to the child's development, reproductive health, and mental well-being.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) labelled the marriage as "illegal and unconstitutional," calling for the protection of the child's best interests and the elimination of child marriages from customary practices.
The Ga-Dangme Lawyers Association also criticized the marriage, highlighting the failure to prioritize the best interests of the girl as required by the Children’s Act.
These statements reflect a unified stance among various organizations in Ghana against practices that undermine the rights and well-being of children, advocating for legal enforcement and societal change to protect vulnerable minors.