Ghanaian Minister: Child Bride’s Actual Age Nearly 16, Not 12
The controversy surrounding the marriage of a young girl to a 63-year-old traditional priest in Ghana has taken a new turn, as the country’s Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister clarified that the girl is 15 years old, not 12 as initially reported.
Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng provided this update during an interview with Ghanaian radio station Citi FM, stating that the girl will turn 16 in July. Despite the adjustment in her age, Minister Boateng emphasized that she is still a minor, and his ministry is committed to collaborating with other agencies to safeguard her rights.
However, conflicting reports persist regarding the girl’s age, with the chief of Nungua traditional area, where the marriage ceremony occurred, asserting that she is 13 years old.
Marriage under the age of 18 is illegal in Ghana, prompting public outcry after footage of the customary wedding surfaced on social media. The police have since identified and located the young bride, assuring the public that she will be protected as they investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, the office of the traditional priest has defended the ceremony, stating that it was an engagement and that the girl is not expected to fulfill marital duties yet.
The community involved in Nungua belongs to the Ga people, who reside along Ghana’s southeastern coast. In Ga culture, the selection of chiefs, high priests, and wives of the high priest is considered a spiritual process. Certain families are responsible for nominating individuals for these roles, including providing brides for high priests. While it is seen as an honor for the families involved, candidates chosen for these positions are typically adults.
Despite cultural traditions, the controversy surrounding this particular marriage underscores broader issues related to child rights, protection, and the enforcement of laws against underage marriage in Ghana.
