Participatory Development Associates has observed with deep concern reports of an incident of child marriage involving Gborbu Wulomo (a Ga traditional priest) and a 12-year-old girl. PDA unreservedly condemns this act and emphasizes that it is an affront to child rights protection in the country. 4
This case is more troubling, particularly due to the involvement of traditional leaders who traditionally bear the responsibility of safeguarding their community members, including children, from harm. In a recent PDA-produced documentary on child marriage in Northern Ghana with the Mamprugu-Moagduri district as a case study, we observed a worrying trend where certain chiefs are either culprits or complicit in child marriage incidents. It is imperative to highlight that the involvement of traditional leaders in incidences of child marriage unarguably threatens the success of the long-standing fight against child abuse in Ghana.
As an ardent believer in the rule of law, PDA appreciates the preliminary actions taken by the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and other non-state actors in pursuit of this case. We hope that justice will be served to the victim.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. We, therefore, hope the same level of concern is given and action taken for all such cases.
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