Two non-governmental organisations, Plan International Ghana and World Vision Ghana have vehemently condemned the reported marriage between a minor and a 63-year-old fetish priest in Nungua, Accra.

The organisations expressed profound concern over the alleged union and rebuked any attempts to justify it under the guise of cultural practices.

This was contained in a joint statement signed by the Country Director of Plan International Ghana, Constant Tchona, and the National Director of World Vision Ghana, Laura Cristina del Valle dated April 5.

Describing the act as repulsive, the organisations emphasised that there is no justification for marrying off a child, stating that a girl child is not a bride.

They underscored the importance of prioritising the welfare of the child in all situations and condemned child marriage as a form of gender-based violence and a grave violation of human rights.

Highlighting the grave implications of child marriage, particularly on the girl child's health, education, and overall development, the organisations cited the Children's Act of Ghana, 1998 (Act 560), which prohibits the marriage or betrothal of children under the age of 18 years.

The statement also assured Ghanaians of its commitment to international conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which obligates the state to eradicate child marriage and protect children from exploitation and abuse.

While commending the Ghana Police Service for swiftly intervening and providing protection to the child and her mother, Plan International Ghana and World Vision Ghana demanded concrete actions from the government.

They called for the enforcement of laws to deter similar acts, collaboration with law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations for swift justice, prevention of parental support for such marriages and the abolition of harmful traditional practices.

Additionally, the NGOs also demanded the release of the 12-year-old girl to continue her education in a safe environment, protection from victimisation and stigma, and extensive public education to raise awareness about harmful traditional practices.

The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting gender equality and ending Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM), declaring that it has no place in society and must be eradicated.

They pledged to continue providing resources to protect, fulfill, and promote children's rights, especially those of the girl child, in accordance with international frameworks.

Background

On March 30, Gborbu Wulomo Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII married 12-year-old girl Naa Okromo.

Following the ceremony, the 63-year-old priest has come under severe criticism. Many stakeholders have described the act as barbaric, retrogressive, and an abuse of the child's rights.

• Read also: Office of Gborbu Wulomo clarifies alleged marriage involving a minor

However, the office of the Gborbu Wulomo clarified that the 12-year-old was not married to the Wulomo but to the Gborbu deity.

• Read also: Any form of child betrothal is a crime – CHRAJ

Nevertheless, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice stated that any form of betrothal was a crime.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information said the girl was in police custody and was safe and well.