Professor Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, has highlighted the pervasive nature of certain cultural practices in Ghana. He states that the supposed union between 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo and 13-year-old Naa Okromo is one of such practices indicative of a larger systemic issue, and same must be addressed holistically, and not episodically.
According to the law professor, such practices are not isolated incidents but rather widespread, necessitating a comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying problems.
Speaking to the host of The Big Issue, Selorm Adonoo, on Citi FM and Citi TV, Professor Atuguba said, “this is just one of several happenings across the country that seem to have come into the limelight so we are not dealing with an isolated case, we are dealing with a systemic number of issues and we need to approach them holistically.”
Professor Atuguba, however, pointed out that Ghana’s legal regime, including the Children’s Act, 1998, does not support marriages to persons below 18 years.
The customary ceremony was streamed online on Saturday, March 30, 2024, and has angered many prompting calls for the apprehension of the Gborbu Wulomo.
It initially emerged that the girl was 12-years-old, then the age changed to 13 in the week and eventually changed to 16 during a press conference by the Nungua traditional council.
He also commended the commentary on the issue since it became public, which he described as being positive and intimated that it tends to strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
“It is positive, and it is the hallmark of a democracy. One of the strengths of a democracy is that people are able to speak up about issues, discuss them thoroughly, and come up with solutions, which is a positive way to address issues.”
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