The GaDangme Council has described the marriage of the 12-year-old girl to the Gborbu Wulomɔ as a complex issue that requires careful consideration and action.
In view of this, the Council says it has refrained from expressing opinion when the story broke, preferring to do more research and consultations on the matter considering that Gborbu Wulomɔ himself is not illiterate.
It said, “It is essential to acknowledge the legal and ethical implications of marrying a girl who is underage because, in this country, there are strict laws in place to protect minors from exploitation and abuse. By marrying a girl who is not of legal age, the traditional ruler is potentially violating these laws and putting the girl at risk of harm,” it added.
The Council has, however, revealed that it has engaged with the traditional priest, and it has emerged that the ceremony was not a marriage ceremony but a betrothal.
It was therefore the view of the Council that the distinction provided to them has altered the legal implications.
It has advised the priest to take steps to address the issues and clarify the matter to ensure that the rights of the minor are protected and respected.
Meanwhile, it has also been explained that while betrothal could involve an underage person, it does not grant licence to the person to start having sexual relationships with such a child, thereby jeopardising her education and even endangering a difficult childbirth since her organs are not properly developed.
The Council went ahead to advise the parents of the minor to keep an eye on her and let her understand that, notwithstanding the betrothal demanded by custom, she is still an infant and entitled to enjoy life and engage in youthful pranks like all others of her age.
“The Council has engaged the Gborbu Wulomɔ himself and some of his elders and it is important to clarify that the traditional ruler has stated that the relationship with the underage girl is a betrothal and not a marriage. This distinction to us has altered the legal implications.
We are inclined to side with the Gborbu Wulomɔ since the original reportage made the point that there was another ceremony that awaited the girl to purify and prepare her for procreation. We concede that whilst betrothal could involve an underage person, it does not grant license to the person to start having sexual relationship with such a child thereby jeopardizing her education and even endangering a difficult childbirth since her organs are not properly developed.
The GaDangme Council calls on the Gborbu Wulomɔ to address the issue and mitigate the concerns surrounding the betrothal and to ensure that the girl’s well-being and rights are protected, and that her best interests such as her education are prioritized prioritized throughout the engagement process. She should continue her education until she reaches the legal age of marriage, and even marriage should not disrupt her education if she is still willing to continue.”
Read the full statement below
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
