Highlights: Child Bride in Ghana Placed Under Police Protection Following Public Outcry

Source: https://www.msn.com/

A 12-year-old girl in Ghana was married to a 63-year-old traditional high priest in a ceremonial wedding, sparking public outrage. The police have placed the girl under protection, and investigations are ongoing. The priest’s office defended the marriage as ceremonial. Child marriage is illegal in Ghana, but still occurs. The priest, a respected spiritual leader, performs traditional rites for the community. The wedding was attended by community members, with women advising the girl on wifely duties. Civil society groups condemn the marriage, citing potential for emboldening deviant behaviors. Ghana has a high prevalence of child marriages, with many girls not attending school. The Ga community, where the incident occurred, has cultural practices involving spiritual selection of chiefs and high priests. The girl’s family, as per tradition, provided a bride for the high priest, though typically adults are chosen for such roles.

The Police Operatives have identified and tracked down the girl and she is now under their protection, along with her mother.

This practice of marrying underage girls not only violates the law but also perpetuates harmful traditions and denies young girls their rights to education and a safe childhood. Efforts to address and eradicate child marriage in Ghana are crucial to safeguarding the well-being and future prospects of vulnerable girls.

Read more about this article: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/ghana-child-bride-in-police-protection-after-outcry/

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