Children’s Act Frowns At Betrothal- NCCE To Nungua Traditional Council

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has provided a lecture on the country’s laws to Nungua Traditional Council over the latter’s defence of the betrothal of a 12-year-old girl to a 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII.

The Commission in a statement asserted that the act violates the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560) and is therefore unconstitutional.

“The Commission wishes to express concern about this development and emphasizes that cultural practices that are illegal and unconstitutional have no place in our democracy.”

“The NCCE wishes to remind 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 is also worth pointing out that the same section of the Children’s Act says that, ‘No person shall force a child (a) to be betrothed; (b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction; or (c) to be married’.”

It further cited Article 39 of the 1992 Constitution in its argument that the said practice which is projected to be injurious to the health and well-being of the person involved is abolished.

“The NCCE urges the Nungua Traditional Council to review its traditional practices to bring them in line with the laws and 1992 Constitution of Ghana, and to refrain from actions that may have a negative impact on the youth of Nungua.”

It also called for the intervention of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection as well as the Department of Social Welfare to uphold the best interest of the child and eliminate the customary practices.