NDC Member of Parliament for Madina constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has filed a petition with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the 63-year-old Ga priest accused of marrying a 12-year-old girl.
According to the human rights lawyer, the action of the Ga Priest constitutes a violation of both local and international laws governing child care and protection.
Lawyer Sosu argued that the marriage is legally invalid since the child is below the age of eighteen (18) and lacks the legal capacity to consent.
He emphasised that the rights of the child have been infringed upon, necessitating swift legal action to address the situation.
On the 30th of March, there were videos circulating on social media about the said child being married to a Ga Priest. This news attracted several public outbursts, describing the action as primitive and backward.
In his letter to the CID, Lawyer Sosu wrote, “In the circumstances, therefore, it appears that a clear act of illegality and a careless abuse of the rights of an innocent Ghanaian child has been perpetuated in the full glare of the public.”
“It is in the light of the foregoing that I respectfully crave your indulgence and pray that you exercise your powers of arrest, investigations, including potential defilement, and prosecution in the defense and protection of this innocent child.”
Meanwhile, amidst the uproar, several child rights activists and human rights lawyers are calling on the Ghana Police Service and the Gender Ministry to see to the arrest of Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, also known as the Gborbu Wulomo.
The traditional marriage ceremony occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua, triggering widespread outrage and discussion.
In his defence, Gborbu Wulomo clarified that the union was meant to signify a betrothal, stressing that the young girl would not be obligated to fulfil any marital duties.
Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com
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