Audio By Carbonatix
People who refuse a marriage proposal in Mangalmé in north-eastern Chad must now pay a fine, known as "amchilini".
The region's Higher Islamic Council ruled that the figure be between $23 (£18) and $39 for women and $15 for men.
The Chadian Women's Rights League has launched the hashtag #StopAmchilini to denounce the decision, saying it is illegal as it violates a national law guaranteeing freedom of consent to marriage.
The Islamic Council says its decision was inspired by the Quran.
Forced marriages are prevalent in Chad, with young under-age girls the usual victims.
Despite a law passed in 2015 that prohibits child marriages, 60% of women aged between 20 and 24 were married when they were still children, according to figures from Chad's Institute of Statistics.
Latest Stories
-
IMF seeks 3-month extension of Ghana’s Programme
5 minutes -
Government secures $200m World Bank support to end double-track system – Haruna Iddrisu
10 minutes -
GJA raises alarm over court order restraining investigative reporting
24 minutes -
Ghana Embassy delegation visits Ghanaian detainees at ICE facility in Pennsylvania
51 minutes -
The Licensure Fallacy: A misplaced narrative on WASSCE performance
1 hour -
Front-runner to be Bangladesh PM returns after 17 years in exile
2 hours -
NICKSETH recognised as Best Building & Civil Engineering Company of the Year 2024/2025 by GhCCI
2 hours -
MISA Energy rebrands in Kumasi, pledges better service and sustainability
2 hours -
Kenyasi assault case: Woman handed 15-month jail term for injuring child
4 hours -
Mahama’s trust well placed, I remain focused on fixing education – Haruna Iddrisu
4 hours -
IGP Yohuno promotes 13 senior officers in recognition of exemplary service
4 hours -
Miss Health Organisation unveils new Miss Health Africa and Ghana queens
5 hours -
Andy Dosty set to headline inaugural Ghana Independence Day celebrations in Europe
5 hours -
GoldBod rejects IMF claims of $214m losses under gold-for-reserves programme
5 hours -
Some MMDCEs reject uniform 24-Hour Economy Market model, seek flexible options
5 hours