Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-04-03 18:40:08
The recent union between a 63-year-old Ga priest and a 12-year-old girl has caused a stir in the Ga Dangbe community, with many expressing outrage and condemnation. The marriage took place on March 30, 2024, between Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, and the underage girl, Naa Ayemoede, sparking widespread public backlash.
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure, voiced his concerns about the situation, highlighting the legal implications of forcing a minor into marriage in Ghana. According to the Children’s Act 1998 (Act 560), individuals can face a maximum jail term of 12 months for such actions. However, the law does not explicitly address child marriage, raising questions about its effectiveness in protecting vulnerable minors.
In contrast, the law imposes a much harsher penalty for the promotion or support of LGBTQ+ activities, with a prison sentence of up to five years. This disparity in sentencing has raised eyebrows among critics, pointing out the inconsistencies in how different issues are addressed by the legal system.
In response to the controversial union, calls have been made for the arrest of Gborbu Wulomo by law enforcement authorities. Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, and Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu have both urged the police to take action against the Ga priest for his involvement in the unlawful marriage.
Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has emphasized the need to amend the Children’s Act 1998, Act 560, specifically Section 14, to align with the age at which a young girl can be legally betrothed. He argues that the Ghanaian cultural context necessitates a clear definition of the age at which a young girl can provide consent for betrothal, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from forced marriages.
The case of the 63-year-old Ga priest marrying a 12-year-old girl has sparked a national conversation about child protection laws and cultural practices in Ghana. The need for stronger enforcement of existing legislation and amendments to address loopholes in the legal framework has been highlighted by various stakeholders.
In conclusion, the union between Gborbu Wulomo and Naa Ayemoede has brought to light the challenges faced by minors in traditional communities and the importance of upholding child protection laws. It is essential for authorities to take decisive action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in Ghana.
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