The minimum age for marriage in Ghana is 18yrs – Nana Oye on marriage of 12-yr-old girl to 63-yr-old Chief Priest
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has strongly condemned the marriage of a 12-year-old girl to a 63-year-old Chief Priest, emphasizing that it constitutes a crime under Ghanaian law.
She called on the state to intervene immediately and initiate legal processes against the perpetrators.
She stressed that regardless of the consent of the parents, the marriage is illegal as Ghanaian law sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years old. Therefore, the state has a legal responsibility to protect the rights of the child and ensure compliance with national laws, including the Children Act and the Constitution.
In response to criticism and concerns raised by the public, the Nungua Traditional Authority and the Gborbu Wulomo temple defended the marriage, stating that it is strictly for traditional purposes and spiritual duties. They clarified that the girl would not be engaged in any conjugal rites and would only be assisting the Overlord with his duties at the temple as a virgin.
The Gborbu Wulomo temple explained that the girl’s role is traditionally reserved for virgins and is designated to attend to one of the deities of the Ga-Adangbe group. They emphasized the importance of preserving her purity and protecting her from sexual violation by men.
However, critics argue that such practices violate the rights of the child and constitute a form of exploitation. They call for a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that protects children’s interests and emphasize the need for the state to intervene to ensure the well-being and rights of the child are upheld and respected.
