The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has urged the Nungua Traditional Council to ensure its traditional and cultural practices are in sync with the country’s laws .
The NCCE further reminds the Traditional Council that cultural practices that are illegal and unconstitutional have no place in Ghana’s democracy.
The Commission’s comment follows the controversial marriage a 13-year-old girl to Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII on March 30, 2024.
The NCCE in a statement on April 2, expressed concern about the situation and reminded the Ga Traditional Council of the Children’s Act, Act 560 of 1998, which states that the minimum age of marriage shall be 18 years and prohibits forcing a child into betrothal, dowry transactions, or marriage.
The NCCE also referred to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which recognizes the existence of ethnic groups in the country but also abolishes traditional practices that are injurious to an individual’s health and well-being.
“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. While the Nungua Traditional Council contends that this union is voluntary, it is unclear to the NCCE how a pre-pubescent, pre-teen minor can consent to such an arrangement.”
The Commission urged the Nungua Traditional Council to review its practices under the laws and the Constitution of Ghana and to refrain from actions that may negatively impact the youth of Nungua.
NCCE further called for the intervention of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the Department of Social Welfare to ensure the protection of the child’s best interests and the removal of child marriages from customary practices.
FULL STATEMENT
