The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on the Nungua Traditional Council to ensure their traditional practices align with the Ghanaian laws and 1992 constitution.
In a statement issued on April 2, and signed by the commission expressed its dismay over reports of the 12 year old girl betrothed to a 63 year old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsru XXXIII.
“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” portion of the statement said.
The commission further expressed concern questioning how the minor consented to that agreement even though the Nungua Traditional Council contends that the union is voluntary.
Referencing the 1992 Constitution of the children’s Act, (Act 560), the NCCE reminded the Nungua Traditional Council of the laws concerning children’s right and consent expressing the need for realignment of the council’s practices with the legal provisions to ensure conformity.
The NCCE also underscored the need for concerned stakeholders to prioritize the 12 year old’s protection, adding that child marriages should be removed from Ghana’s cultural practices.
Currently the 12 year old and her mother are under the Ghana Police protection with the police, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare working to provide the necessary support during investigations.
Read full statement by NCCE below
Read also: Teacher Unions call off Strike
Source: Aba Aikins/ATLFMNEWS
