The Article II Initiative, a non-profit organisation committed to upholding Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and protecting the fundamental human rights of all citizens, has called on the Attorney General to investigate and annul the underage marriage involving the Nungua Gborbu Wulomo and a 16-year old girl.
The priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, married the girl in a traditional ceremony that took place on a recent Saturday.
Images and videos from the event, which was attended by many community members, have been widely shared on social media, leading to a significant outcry among Ghanaians.
During the ceremony, a woman, speaking in the local Ga language, gave the girl instructions on how to behave towards her husband.
The woman’s comments, along with others advising the girl on her marital duties and the use of perfumes to enhance her attractiveness to her husband, have amplified the public outcry, as they imply that the marriage was not merely symbolic.
Critics are calling on authorities to invalidate the marriage and initiate an investigation into Mr Tsuru.
Richard Sky, President and Advocate-in-Chief of the Article II Initiative, in a statement dated April 1, asked the Attorney General to “Launch an urgent investigation into the alleged marriage and take all necessary steps to nullify the union and rescue Naa Okromo from this illegal and exploitative situation.”
He said that was because the marriage was an egregious violation of the girl’s inalienable human rights and a flagrant breach of Ghana’s domestic laws, including Article 28(5) of the Constitution and Section 14 of the 1998 Children’s Act, both of which unequivocally set the legal age for marriage at 18 for both girls and boys.
Mr Sky also urged the Attorney General to ensure that Naa Okromo receives comprehensive support, including medical care, psychological counselling, and rehabilitation services to help her recover from this traumatic experience.
“Prosecute all individuals involved in facilitating the alleged unlawful marriage, including the 63-year-old chief and any other traditional or religious leaders who may have played a role, to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Work with the Ministries for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and other relevant agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, to develop and implement a comprehensive action plan — including strategies already in force — to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of children in Ghana, with a specific focus on addressing harmful traditional and religious practices,” he further stated.
The President and Advocate-in-Chief of the Article II Initiative highlighted the importance of the Justice Minister engaging with traditional and religious leaders across the country to educate them on the laws against child marriage and the severe consequences for those who violate these laws, and to promote positive cultural values that respect the rights and well-being of children.
“We recognise that addressing the scourge of child marriage requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the underlying root causes, including entrenched gender inequality, systemic poverty, and harmful traditional practices. However, we firmly believe that the rigorous enforcement of existing laws and policies is an essential and critical first step in sending an unambiguous message that Ghana will not tolerate child marriage under any circumstances.”
“The eyes of the nation and the world are upon us. We look forward to your prompt, decisive response and concrete action on this urgent matter. The future of our children and the very soul of our nation hang in the balance,” he also said.
Read the full statement from the Initiative here
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