Two non-governmental organizations, Plan International Ghana and World Vision Ghana, have strongly denounced the reported marriage between a minor and a 63-year-old fetish priest in Nungua, Accra.
Expressing profound concern over the alleged union, the organizations rebuked any attempts to justify it under the guise of cultural practices. This sentiment was articulated 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.
Characterizing the act as repugnant, the organizations emphasized that there is no justification for marrying off a child, asserting that a girl child is not a bride. They underscored the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the child in all situations and condemned child marriage as a form of gender-based violence and a serious violation of human rights.
Drawing attention to the grave implications of child marriage, particularly on the girl child’s health, education, and overall development, the organizations referenced 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 affirmed the organizations’ 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 swift intervention and providing protection to the child and her mother, Plan International Ghana and World Vision Ghana called for concrete actions from the government.
They demanded the enforcement of laws to deter similar acts, collaboration with law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations for swift justice, prevention of parental support for such marriages, and the abolition of harmful traditional practices.
Additionally, the NGOs urged the release of the 12-year-old girl to continue her education in a safe environment, protection from victimization and stigma, and extensive public education to raise awareness about harmful traditional practices.
Reaffirming their commitment to promoting gender equality and ending Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM), the organizations declared 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.