Paramount Queen-mother Of Gomoa Challenges Girl Child Marriage: A Call For Legal Compliance And Child Protection
The Paramount Queen-mother Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area in the Central Region has taken a strong stance against this union, highlighting the legal and ethical violations inherent in marrying underage girls.
Freeman Koryekpor 
The recent marriage between a 13-year-old girl, Naa Okromo, and Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about child marriage practices in Ghana.
The Paramount Queen-mother Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area in the Central Region has taken a strong stance against this union, highlighting the legal and ethical violations inherent in marrying underage girls.
Her Majesty’s Opposition:
Paramount Queen-mother Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I, a staunch advocate for girl child empowerment, vehemently opposes the marriage, citing Ghanaian laws that unequivocally prohibit child marriages, irrespective of cultural or traditional customs.
She emphasizes that both the Marriage Act of 1985 and the Children’s Act of 1998 mandate a minimum marriage age of 18, making the marriage of a 13-year-old girl a clear violation of domestic legislation.
Her Majesty calls for the annulment of the marriage and an inquiry into Mr. Tsuru’s actions to uphold Ghana’s legal standards and international efforts to eradicate child marriage.
Police Intervention and Protection:
Following public outcry and outrage over the marriage, the Ghana Police Service has taken swift action to locate the 12-year-old girl and place her under police protection, along with her mother.
This proactive response aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the young girl and her family during this challenging time. Collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare are underway to provide necessary support and assistance to the girl and her family.
Condemnation by Pediatric Society:
The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has strongly condemned the marriage ceremony between the 63-year-old Ga priest and the 13-year-old girl, underscoring the rights of children to refuse betrothal and marriage as enshrined in the Children’s Act of 1998. The PSG’s statement reflects widespread concern within the medical community about the detrimental effects of child marriage on the well-being and development of young girls.
Clarification by GaDangme Council:
The GaDangme Council has clarified that the relationship between the traditional Ga priest and the 12-year-old girl is considered a betrothal, not a marriage. This distinction alters the legal implications of the situation, according to the Council’s interpretation. While acknowledging cultural nuances, it is crucial to ensure that such practices do not undermine the rights and protections afforded to children under Ghanaian law.
The case of Naa Okromo and Gborbu Wulomo highlights the imperative of upholding legal standards and protecting the rights of children in Ghana. Paramount Queen-mother Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I’s advocacy against child marriage underscores the importance of safeguarding the well-being and future prospects of young girls.
Collaborative efforts between government agencies, law enforcement, civil society, and traditional authorities are essential to address the root causes of child marriage and ensure the protection of vulnerable children in Ghanaian society.
