13-year-old girl forced into marriage undergoing medical checks

The Police has ordered medical checks to be done on the 13-year-old girl who was forced into marriage in Ablekuma on Sunday of last week to ascertain if the man she was forced to marry has defiled her.

The 25-year-old husband and the girl spent three nights in a room, prepared by the girl's family following their wedding.

On Wednesday, they were picked up by the police-along with the girl's parents, and granted bail on Friday after preliminary investigations.

Public Relations Officer of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police, ASP Irene Oppong, said they have established that the man who married the 13-year-old girl is nephew to the girl's father.

She said the family wanted to save their image so after their older daughter ran away on the day of her marriage, they asked the 13-year-old to do so instead. Police say they are keeping an open mind in the investigations.

ASP Oppong said their investigations are also leading to "other areas" and hence are waiting to get further information before charging any of the suspects.