The Commission has condemned these cultural practices describing them as illegal, unconstitutional, and inappropriate for a democratic nation like Ghana.

In a statement issued on April 2, the NCCE urged the Nungua Traditional Council to modify its traditional practices to comply with the laws and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

“The NCCE wishes to remind the Ga Traditional Council that the Children’s Act, Act 560 of 1998, Section 13, (1&2) provides that “The minimum age of marriage of whatever kind shall be eighteen years”. It is also worth pointing out that the same section of the Children’s Act says that “No person shall force a child (a) to be betrothed; (b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction; or (c) to be married”. While the Nungua Traditional Council contends that this union is voluntary, it is unclear to the NCCE how a pre-pubescent, pre-teen minor can consent to such an arrangement,” the statement read.

“The 1992 Constitution of Ghana recognizes and even encourages Ghana’s many ethnic groups to practice and extol their culture. However, the Commission calls on the Nungua Traditional Council to note that the same 1992 Constitution, in Article 39 also states that “…… traditional practices which are injurious to the health and well-being of the person are abolished”. Furthermore, for over a century, our courts have held that traditional practices contrary to “natural justice, equity, and good conscience” are outlawed.”

The NCCE also called on the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Department of Social Welfare to intervene and ensure that the child’s best interests are safeguarded and child marriages are eradicated from customary practices.

Read full statement below:

2^nd April, 2024

For Immediate Release

PRESS STATEMENT

ENSURE TRADITIONAL/CULTURAL PRACTICES ARE IN SYNC WITH THE LAWS AND 1992 CONSTITUTION OF GHANA – NCCE

The National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE is appalled by the recent announcement by the Nungua Traditional Council that, a 12-year-old girl has been betrothed to a 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII. The Commission wishes to express concern about this development and emphasizes that cultural practices that are illegal and unconstitutional have no place in our democracy.

The NCCE wishes to remind the Ga Traditional Council that the Children’s Act, Act 560 of 1998, Section 13, (1&2) provides that “The minimum age of marriage of whatever kind shall be eighteen years”. It is also worth pointing out that the same section of the Children’s Act says that “No person shall force a child (a) to be betrothed; (b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction; or (c) to be married”. While the Nungua Traditional Council contends that this union is voluntary, it is unclear to the NCCE how a pre-pubescent, pre-teen minor can consent to such an arrangement.

The 1992 Constitution of Ghana recognizes and even encourages Ghana’s many ethnic groups to practice and extol their culture. However, the Commission calls on the Nungua Traditional Council to note that the same 1992 Constitution, in Article 39 also states that “…… traditional practices which are injurious to the health and well-being of the person are abolished”. Furthermore, for over a century, our courts have held that traditional practices that are contrary to “natural justice, equity, and good conscience” are outlawed.

The NCCE urges the Nungua Traditional Council to review its traditional practices to bring them in line with the laws and 1992 Constitution of Ghana, and to refrain from actions that may have a negative impact on the youth of Nungua.

The Commission also calls for the intervention of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection as well as the Department of Social Welfare to ensure that the best interests of the child are protected and child marriages are removed from our customary practices.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana and Make Our Great and Strong!!

(SIGNED)

KATHLEEN ADDY (MS.)

CHAIRMAN, NCCE

READ ALSO:

• Reactions as Gborbu Wulomo ties knot with 12-year-old girl [Photos]

• 63-year-old Ga priest fights off calls for his arrest for marrying 12-year-old girl

The petition filed on April 2nd requests the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the Ga traditional priest, Gborbu Wulomo over his traditional marriage to a 12-year-old girl in Nungua on March, 30.

Mr. Sosu considers the Wulomo’s conduct criminal, constituting a violation of both local and international laws on child care and protection.

He highlights that, “the said marriage is illegal, null and void because by law a child under 18 cannot enter marriage.”

Mr. Sosu also argues that, although traditional religious arguments are being made in support of marriage, the Constitution is clear in Article 26 concerning the limitations of traditions and customs.

“For clarity, Article 26 (1) provides as follows “Every person is entitled to enjoy, practice, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion subject to the provisions of this Constitution” It provides further in Article 26(2) that “All customary practices which dehumanize or are injurious to the physical and mental well-being of a person are prohibited” It is my respectful view that the customary practice being referred to are unconstitutional and not backed by the laws of Ghana.”

The MP therefore demanded an investigation be launched into what he refers to as a “potential defilement,” and that the priest be prosecuted.

Read full petition below:

READ ALSO:

• Reactions as Gborbu Wulomo ties knot with 12-year-old girl [Photos]

• 63-year-old Ga priest fights off calls for his arrest for marrying 12-year-old girl

• Sempe Mantse peeved by marriage between 63-year-old Ga priest and minor