HRRG Condemns Child Marriage Scandal Involving 63-year-old Ghanaian Priest and 12-year-old Girl

Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) condemns the recent child marriage in Ghana where Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, a 63-year-old traditional priest, married a 12-year-old girl, sparking widespread outrage.

The act, purportedly carried out in adherence to tradition, has ignited fury among rights advocates who decry it as a grave violation of human rights, demanding immediate and decisive intervention.

In the wake of mounting criticism and calls for the dissolution of the union, community leaders have sought to defend the marriage by invoking cultural norms. However, HRRG emphasizes that child marriage remains an egregious transgression against fundamental human rights, regardless of cultural justification.

Ghanaian law mandates a minimum marriage age of 18, yet child marriage persists in certain pockets of society. According to Girls Not Brides, 19% of girls in Ghana are wed before reaching 18, with 5% married off before their 15th birthday, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

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Reports of the marriage ceremony have further fueled outrage, with accounts of the young bride being instructed on her marital duties and urged to enhance her appeal to her husband. Such practices not only perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes but also sanction the exploitation of minors under the guise of tradition.

As a leading advocate for human rights and social justice in Ghana, HRRG has issued a call to action for Ghanaian authorities, urging them to:

•  Nullify the marriage between Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII and the 18-year-old girl.
• Launch a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the marriage.
• Ensure accountability for those responsible for violating the girl’s rights.

The defense of such marriages under the pretext of tradition is vehemently rejected. While Ghanaian law recognizes customary unions, it unequivocally prohibits child marriages, emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable children at risk of exploitation and harm.