A-G Orders Investigation Into Alleged Child Marriage Involving Nungua Wulomo
The Office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare to ascertain the veracity of the news over the alleged betrothal or marriage of a young girl to a 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua for necessary prosecution.
In a letter dated April 2, 2024, and issued by Deputy A-G, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, the Office said the act, either marriage or betrothal, violates the constitution.
“The allegations, if proven, constitute a criminal offence for which all persons involved must face prosecution.”
It continued, “We would appreciate it if you could cause your outfit to conduct the necessary investigation of the alleged child marriage to enable our Office to do the needful.”
The Nungua Traditional Council has come under public backlash after a traditional rite was performed to allegedly betroth a young girl initially propagated as a 12-year-old (now said to be 16 years old) to a 63-year-old.
Critics said the act casts a dent on the country’s efforts to protect children against child marriage and have called for the arrest of persons involved.
Section 14 of the Children’s Act 1998 (Act 560) provides the right to refuse betrothal and marriage:
(I) A person shall not force a child (a) to be betrothed;
(b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction; or
(c) to be married.
(2) The minimum age of marriage of whatever kind is eighteen years.
Section 15 of the Act stipulates that a person who contravenes a provision of section 14(2) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year or to both the fine and the imprisonment.
