The Ga-Dangme Lawyers Association has expressed disapproval over the marriage between a 63-year-old Ga priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and a 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo, joining the behemoth of outrage conveyed by Ghanaians since the ceremony took place on Saturday.
In a statement, the Association said despite the defense from the Ga Dangme Council that the ceremony was a mere betrothal, the act failed to uphold the fundamental human rights of the girl under Ghana’s constitution.
“It is important to note that the Children’s Act provides that the minimum age of marriage of whatever kind shall be eighteen years, and since she is below the age of consent, she is unable to legally consent to the marriage.
“The Children’s Act also clearly states that the best interest of the child shall be paramount in any matter concerning a child. It is evident that in this case, the best interest of the 12-year-old has not been made a priority,” the statement said.
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On Monday the Ghana Police said it has placed the child and her mother under its protection as it works with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare to probe the matter.
At the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection had not made any official comment on the matter.
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