A group calling itself Concerned Members of Nungua Community has described the marriage of Gborbu Wulomo to the 12-year-old girl as fabricated traditional history.
This is in reaction to the alleged marriage ceremony purported t have taken place between Gborbu Wulomo and a 16-year-old which happened on Saturday, March 30.
Convener of the group, Boye Otu, in a Statement called for a collaborative effort to “rally against this violation of our constitution, robbing children of their innocence and childhood.”
They contended that, “the argument put forth by Wulomo’s team, that their actions are supported by tradition and history is uncouth and flawed.”
Below is the full statement
It is no news that the social media space have been taken over by the abominable act that has taken place at Nungua, one that goes against the very fabric of our constitution and the traditional values of the respected Ga Community.
The Wulomo has cowardly hidden behind a fabricated traditional history with a demonic agenda to smear the name of the good people of the Nungua community. A name that has thrive on hard work, respect, and royalty.
In Ghana, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and every other law, be it customary or otherwise, draws its root from the Constitution.
Article 1(2) explicitly stated that “any other law that is found to be inconsistent with any provision of the constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void”.
It is for this reason we the Concerned Members of the Nungua community cry out to every institution that has the mandate to stop this barbaric act to get involved and stop it before it becomes a cancerous vein that will be difficult to uproot.
For the above reason, the argument put forth by Wulomo’s team, that their actions are supported by tradition and history is uncouth and flawed.
This marriage has not only violated these constitutional provisions but also sent shockwaves of concern throughout our nation.
The beauty of childhood lies in the freedom to explore, learn, and dream without the burdens of adulthood cast upon young shoulders. Yet, tragically, this child has had her innocence snatched away, her rights disregarded, and her future uncertain.
It is our duty, as responsible citizens and compassionate human beings, to ensure that such cruel and unjust acts do not prevail within our society.
The Children’s Act of Ghana ( 1998) (Act 560) defines children as all persons below the age of 18. However, the legal age for consent to sexual activity is 16 years. As a result, any sexual activity involving children 15 years and below is considered Child Sexual Abuse. Child abuse must not be tolerated in our Ghanaian society.
Marriage is a sacred union designed to be entered into freely and willingly by consenting adults who understand the gravity of such a commitment.
A child, on the other hand, lacks the emotional, psychological, and intellectual capacity to make such a decision. By forcing a child into marriage, we rob her of the chance to experience the beautiful and carefree essence of childhood, replacing it with a burden she is ill-prepared to bear.
We must not turn a blind eye or deaf ear to this injustice, for the future of our nation lies in the hands of our children. When we allow such practices to persist, we create a cycle of oppression, denying young girls the opportunity to reach their full potential, contribute to society, and become the leaders and change-makers we desperately need.
Today, we implore each and every one to take a stand against child marriage in our country. Let us raise our voices collectively, demanding justice and protection for our children.
Together, let us rally against this violation of our constitution, robbing children of their innocence and childhood. Let us be the driving force that restores hope, dignity, and the fundamental rights of every child in Ghana. Our children are the lifeblood of our nation, and we owe it to them to fight for their protection, happiness, and freedom.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Murtala Inusah
