Amnesty International Ghana has called on the Ghana Police Service to rigorously pursue their investigation regarding the purported marriage between the Nuumo Borketey Larweh XXXIII, the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo and a 12-year-old girl.

According to them, the Children’s Act in the 1992 constitution clearly defines a child as an individual under the age of 18 and prohibits forcing a child into marriage.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the organisation vehemently denounced the marriage of the Ga Priest to the 12-year-old girl and urged the police service to ensure that those accountable face the full extent of the law.

“Amnesty International unequivocally condemns all forms of child marriage, a practice expressly prohibited under Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and further defined by the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).”

"We call upon the Ghana Police Service to diligently pursue their investigations and ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law, as stipulated in Section 15 of the Children's Act, a penalty of 500 cedis and a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year (a penalty that we believe the government needs to review as soon as possible)," part of the statement read.

The organisation commended the efforts of the police, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in ensuring the safety of the girl and her mother, who are currently under Police protection.

Additionally, the human rights organization implored all governmental and civil organizations devoted to safeguarding children's rights, especially young girls, to collaborate in advocating for the eradication of child marriage in Ghana.

“Ghanaian law acknowledges customary marriages but firmly rejects the practice of child marriages under the guise of culture or tradition. It is imperative to halt traditional practices that infringe upon the rights of young girls, hindering their ability to fulfill their potential.

“Instead, we must uphold the principles enshrined in the laws of Ghana and ensure the protection of all children’s rights, both domestically and internationally.”

Read the full statement below.