- The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has warned the Nungua Traditional Council over the betrothal of a 12-year-old girl to 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII.
- The NCCE stated that the practice violates the Ghanaian Constitution and the Children’s Act, even if the council calls it a “betrothal” rather than a marriage.
- The Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560) sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years. It also prohibits forcing a child into betrothal, dowry transactions, or marriage.
- Section 15 of the Act makes contravening these rules a criminal offense, punishable by a fine up to 250 penalty units, imprisonment up to one year, or both.
- The NCCE urged the Nungua Traditional Council to comply with Ghanaian law and protect children’s rights.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has issued a stern warning to the Nungua Traditional Council regarding the controversial betrothal of a 12-year-old girl to the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII.
The commission emphasized that such a practice is in clear violation of Ghanaian law, regardless of whether the council categorizes it as a “betrothal” rather than a marriage. According to the NCCE, the rights of the child, as outlined in the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), must be fully respected.
The Act explicitly states that no child can be forced into betrothal, dowry transactions, or marriage. It also establishes that the minimum legal age for marriage is eighteen years. Section 15 of the Act provides that anyone who breaches these provisions commits a criminal offense and can face a fine of up to 250 penalty units, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
In light of this, the NCCE has urged the Nungua Traditional Council to immediately align its practices with the law and ensure that the rights and welfare of children are safeguarded.
