The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has issued a statement expressing concern over the announcement by the Nungua Traditional Council regarding the betrothal of a 12-year-old girl to a 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo.
The NCCE emphasized that cultural practices contrary to the laws and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana have no place in a democratic society.
Pointing at the provisions of the Children’s Act of 1998, the NCCE stated that the minimum age of marriage is eighteen years, and no child should be forced into betrothal or marriage.
The commission questions how a minor could provide genuine consent to such an arrangement.
While acknowledging the importance of cultural practices, the NCCE reminds the Nungua Traditional Council of the constitutional provision that abolishes traditional practices harmful to individuals’ health and well-being.
The commission therefore calls for a review of traditional practices to align them with Ghanaian laws and ensure the protection of youth in Nungua.
The NCCE urged that national and regional authorities, including the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Department of Social Welfare, intervene to protect the best interests of the child and eliminate child marriages from customary practices.
Moreover, the statement underscored the commission’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles and protecting the rights of children in Ghana.
Below is the full statement :
