Ensure traditional practices are in sync with law – NCCE urges Nungua Traditional Council

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on the Nungua Traditional Council to review its traditional practices to ensure that they are in sync with the laws of the land.

The commission expressed concerns about the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua ‘marrying’ a 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo.

It emphasised that “cultural practices that are illegal and unconstitutional have no place in our democracy.”

The NCCE further indicated that for over a century, “our courts have held that traditional practices that are contrary to natural justice, equity, and good conscience are outlawed.”

“The NCCE urges the Nungua Traditional Council to review its traditional practices to bring them in line with the laws and 1992 Constitution of Ghana, and to refrain from actions that may have a negative impact on the youth of Nungua.”

The commission also reminded the Traditional Council of the Children’s Act, Act 560 of 1998, Section 13, (1&2), which provides that “The minimum age of marriage of whatever kind shall be eighteen years”.

“It is also worth pointing out that the same section of the Children’s Act says that “No person shall force a child (a) to be betrothed; (b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction; or (c) to be married,” the statement added.

More on priest ‘marrying’ 12-year-old girl

• Gborbu Wulomo is betrothed to 12-year-old girl not married to her– GaDangme Council
• Priest ‘marries’ 12-year-old: I fear for the future of young girls in this country if… – Sosu

NCCE concluded by calling on the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, as well as the Department of Social Welfare, to “ensure that the best interests of the child are protected and child marriages are removed from our customary practices.”

Below is the full statement from the NCCE: