The Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS-Africa) has called on Government, religious leaders, and all stakeholders to come together and tackle the root causes of child marriage and implement measures to protect children from exploitation and harm.
This call comes after a supposed marriage between of a 12-year-old girl and a 63-year-old GaDangme priest at Nungua in the Greater Accra Region went viral on social media.
The GaDangme Council in defence says the relationship between a traditional Ga priest and the 12-year-old girl is a betrothal and not a marriage.
The issue has sparked public outrage amid calls for the arrest of the GaDangme priest.
Reacting to the development, CDS-Africa in a statement dated April, 2, 2024 noted there is the need to strengthen and enforce laws and policies that prohibit child marriage, provide support services for survivors and their parents or guardians, and challenge harmful cultural norms and practices that perpetuate the practice.
The think Tank has since called on government and all relevant stakeholders to put measures in place to strengthen and enforce laws and policies that prohibit child marriage.
“Child marriage is a violation of basic human rights and a significant barrier to achieving gender equality and sustainable development. It perpetuates cycles of poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence, denying children, particularly girls of the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. The Children’s Act, 1998 enjoins that “no person shall force a child (age less than 18 years) to be betrothed, to be the subject of a dowry transaction or to be married.” Chapter Five of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana also proscribes the marriage of children, as it infringes on their fundamental human rights.
“As a think tank that believes in ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes, we unequivocally condemn this act and call on Government, other civil society organizations, religious leaders, and all stakeholders to come together and tackle the root causes of child marriage and implement measures to protect children from exploitation and harm,” excerpts of CDS-Africa statement read.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu
