Deputy CHRAJ Boss: Marrying a Child to Either a Deity or Human Is a Criminal Offense

Mercy Larbi, the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has unequivocally declared that any form of child marriage, whether to a human or a deity, is deemed a criminal offense under the Children’s Act.

Larbi’s statement comes amidst public outrage and condemnation surrounding the reported marriage between 12-year-old Naa Okromo and Gborbu Wulomo Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, a 63-year-old priest.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mrs. Larbi emphasized that child marriage, regardless of the circumstances, is unlawful. She dismissed attempts to justify such marriages by claiming they involve deities, reiterating that they still constitute a violation of the child’s rights and are subject to legal repercussions.

“Whether it’s to a deity or a human being or whatever, it’s a crime,” she asserted.

Highlighting the clandestine nature of these unions, Larbi noted that perpetrators often opt for secretive arrangements to evade legal scrutiny. They keep the child with the adult until they reach adulthood, avoiding public ceremonies to escape detection.

Despite efforts to raise awareness about the illegality and harm of child marriage, Larbi stressed the urgency of further action, especially in northern Ghana, where the practice remains prevalent.

Deputy Attorney-General Diana Asonaba Dapaah echoed Larbi’s stance, condemning the alleged marriage of Naa Okromo to the Gborbu Wulomo. She emphasized that the law unequivocally prohibits such unions, regardless of the child’s age.

“It is neither here nor there whether 12, 15 or 16—of course, I’m mindful of Section 122 of Act 560 on the determination of a child’s age. It is key only for purposes of ensuring that Section 14 has not been breached, and clearly, the argument being thrown out there, whether 12, 15 or 16, still does not meet the age criteria,” Mrs. Dapaah remarked.

Mrs. Dapaah stressed the importance of upholding the legal definition of childhood until the age of 18, as outlined in Section 1 of Act 560. She underscored that age considerations are crucial in ensuring compliance with Section 14 of the same act, which expressly prohibits child betrothals.