Probe underage marriage, hold all persons involved accountable – Amnesty International urges IGP

Amnesty International Ghana has called on the Inspector General of the Ghana Police to launch a thorough investigation into the marriage of a 13-year-old girl to Gborbu Wulomo.

The Human Rights organisation is also asking the Police to hold all individuals who approved, endorsed, or were involved in the act accountable, ensuring that those responsible are brought to book.

According to Amnesty International, “Such actions must serve as a deterrent to anyone who might consider similar actions in the future.”

The organisation stated its absolute condemnation of all forms of child marriage, a practice explicitly outlawed under Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and further clarified by the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560).

“According to Section 14 of the Act, a child is defined as an individual under the age of eighteen (18), and Section 14(1c) explicitly prohibits forcing a child into marriage,” it added.

Amnesty International Ghana also urged all governmental and civil society organisations committed to protecting the rights of children, especially young girls, to join in advocating for the elimination of child marriage in the country.

“Ghanaian law acknowledges customary marriages but firmly rejects the practice of child marriages under the guise of culture or tradition. It is imperative to halt traditional practices that infringe upon the rights of young girls, hindering their ability to fulfil their potential.

“Instead, we must uphold the principles enshrined in the laws of Ghana and ensure the protection of all children's rights, both domestically and internationally,” it added.

-citinewsroom