The Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) has joined section of Ghanaians to condemn the marriage between 12year -old girl and a 63-year-old Gborbu Wolomo
It is also condemned the utterances and biased justification of the act by members of the Nungua Traditional Council as a practice that has existed for generations adding that this does not give credence to what has occurred and has no basis in our laws.
Many Ghanaians have come out condemn the act including the Member of Parliament for the Madina Constituency, Hon. Lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu who has petitioned the Police to arrest the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo.
In a press statement dated April 2, 2024 signed the convenor of the group, Prof Akosua K. Darkwah said, Ghana as a country has ratified international conventions and protocols to protect women and girls against violence.
“The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (DEVAW) (1993) Article (4) indicates that member states should condemn violence against women and should not invoke any custom, tradition or religious consideration to avoid their obligations with respect to its elimination. Article (2) of the AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women also enjoins the state to eliminate cultural and traditional conduct that reinforces the belief that discriminate against women including stereotyped gender roles”. the statement added.
With all the above laws and conventions, Ghana and all its citizens are mandated to uphold the stipulations of the law to the latter, irrespective of who is involved.
NETRIGHT is calling for the annulment of both the betrothal and marriage of Naa Okromo with immediate effect.
The group also called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to Institutionalize a system for monitoring the protection of this child against any further infringement on her rights as a child.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vincent Kwofie
