The National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE is appalled by the recent announcement by the Nungua Traditional Council that, a 12-year-old girl has been betrothed to a 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru.
The Commission is concerned about this development and emphasizes that cultural practices that are illegal and unconstitutional have no place in the country’s democracy.
A statement from the Chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy reminds the Ga Traditional Council that the Children’s Act, Act 560 of 1998, Section 13, (1&2) provides that “The minimum age of marriage of whatever kind shall be eighteen years”. It also referenced the same section of the Children’s Act that says “No person shall force a child (a) to be betrothed; (b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction; or (c) to be married”. While the Nungua Traditional Council contends that this union is voluntary, it is unclear to the NCCE how a pre-pubescent, pre-teen minor can consent to such an arrangement.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana recognizes and even encourages many ethnic groups to practice and extol their culture. However, the Commission calls on the Nungua Traditional Council to note that the same 1992 Constitution, in Article 39 also states that “…… traditional practices which are injurious to the health and well-being of the person are abolished”.
The NCCE urges the Nungua Traditional Council to review its traditional practices to bring them in line with the laws and the 1992 Constitution and to refrain from actions that may have a negative impact on the youth of the community.
