Maame Afia Akoto writes: Condemning Child Marriage; A Call to Reject Harmful Traditions in Ghana

In Ghana today, a recent event has sparked outrage and disbelief across the nation. A 63-year-old priest, known as Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, has married a 12-year-old girl in a customary ceremony. This abhorrent act, defended under the guise of tradition, exemplifies the persistence of harmful practices that deprive young girls of their rights, dignity, and futures. As a society striving for progress and equality, it is imperative to condemn such acts unequivocally and take decisive action to eradicate them from our cultural fabric.

Our ancestors envisioned a society where traditions upheld values of dignity, respect, and communal harmony. They would be dismayed to witness the continuation of archaic customs that perpetuate harm and injustice. While honoring our cultural heritage is commendable, it must not come at the expense of fundamental human rights, particularly those of vulnerable individuals like young girls. Child marriage, in any form, is a violation of moral principles that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of individuals. The idea of a 12-year-old girl being betrothed to a man nearly six decades her senior is not only morally reprehensible but also indicative of a broader societal failure to protect the rights of children. Our moral compass as a nation must guide us in unequivocally condemning such practices and working towards a society where every child is afforded the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential.

Furthermore, from a traditional standpoint, it is crucial to reassess the relevance and validity of customs that endorse child marriage. While tradition serves as a cornerstone of cultural identity, it should evolve in tandem with societal progress and enlightenment. Practices that undermine the dignity and rights of individuals, particularly vulnerable segments of society, have no place in a modern Ghanaian society that aspires to equality and justice for all. Education, often touted as the key to empowerment and advancement, is another critical lens through which to examine the issue of child marriage. By subjecting young girls to early marriage, we deprive them of the opportunity to pursue education and realize their full potential. Education is not only a fundamental human right but also a catalyst for social and economic development. Denying girls access to education perpetuates cycles of poverty and reinforces gender inequalities.

From a financial perspective, child marriage imposes significant economic burdens on individuals, families, and society at large. Girls married off at a young age are often deprived of economic opportunities and are more likely to experience poverty and dependency. Moreover, the health and well-being of child brides are compromised, leading to increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity. Thus, child marriage not only undermines individual rights but also undermines economic progress and prosperity.

Religiously, no faith advocates for the exploitation and subjugation of vulnerable individuals, particularly children. While respecting religious beliefs and practices is important, it is imperative to recognize that religious teachings must be interpreted in accordance with fundamental principles of justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity. Child marriage runs counter to these principles and represents a distortion of religious teachings for the benefit of oppressive and harmful practices.

The perpetuation of child marriage in Ghana may negatively reflect a failure of leadership to protect the rights and well-being of children. Despite legal provisions criminalizing child marriage and international commitments to end the practice, enforcement remains inadequate, allowing harmful traditions to persist with impunity. The government, along with relevant authorities and civil society organizations, must prioritize the protection of children’s rights and take concrete actions to address the root causes of child marriage.

In conclusion, the marriage of a 12-year-old girl to a 63-year-old man under the guise of tradition is a reprehensible act that undermines the dignity, rights, and future of the young girl involved. It is incumbent upon all members of society to condemn such practices unequivocally and take decisive action to eradicate them. Our collective commitment to upholding the values of equality, justice, and human rights must guide us in challenging harmful traditions and building a society where every child can thrive and fulfill their potential. Maame Afia Akoto