The HRRG, Human Rights reporters Ghana, condemns the 63-year-old Ghanaian priest Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII’s marriage to a 12-year-old girl, stating it is a grave violation of human rights. Despite community leaders defending the marriage, HRRG emphasizes that no tradition can justify such exploitation.
HRRG condemns a ceremonial event where the young girl was advised on wifely duties and sexual appeal, highlighting harmful gender norms and the exploitation of children under tradition.
In a press statement, the HRRG said, “As a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting human rights and social justice in Ghana, HRRG calls on Ghanaian authorities to:
Annul the marriage between Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII and the 12-year-old girl
Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the marriage
Hold those responsible for this violation of the girl’s rights accountable.”
Read the full presser below:
hrrghana@gmail.com
For Immediate Release April 02, 2024
To All Media Houses
HRRG condemns child marriage scandal involving 63-year-old Ghanaian priest and 12-year-old girl
Accra, Ghana – April 2, 2024 – Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is outraged by the recent incident involving Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, a 63-year-old traditional priest, marrying a 12-year-old girl in Ghana.
This deplorable act, conducted under the guise of tradition, is a flagrant violation of human rights and must be met with swift and decisive action.
In the face of criticism and calls for dissolution of the marriage, community leaders have attempted to defend this abhorrent union by citing customs and traditions. However, it is imperative to emphasize that child marriage is a grave violation of human rights, and no tradition can justify such exploitation and harm inflicted upon a young girl.
The legal minimum age for marriage in Ghana is 18, and while the prevalence of child marriage has decreased, it continues to persist in some communities. According to Girls Not Brides, 19% of girls in Ghana are married before the age of 18, with 5% married before their 15th birthday.
HRRG is appalled by the reports of the ceremonial event, where the young girl was advised on wifely duties and encouraged to enhance her sexual appeal to her husband. Such statements not only perpetuate harmful gender norms but also normalize and condone the exploitation of a child under the guise of tradition.
As a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting human rights and social justice in Ghana, HRRG calls on Ghanaian authorities to:
– Annul the marriage between Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII and the 12-year-old girl
– Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the marriage
– Hold those responsible for this violation of the girl’s rights accountable
The defense of this marriage as a mere tradition is unacceptable. Ghanaian law recognizes customary marriages but does not condone child marriages under the pretext of culture or tradition. It is incumbent upon the authorities to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable children who are at risk of exploitation and harm.
Thank you.
Signed
Joseph Kobla Wemakor
Executive Director
Tel: 0243676813
In recent update,the 12-year-old girl who is married to the 63-year-old Ga priest has been placed under police protection, according to confirmation from the Ghana Police Service.
The mother and the child have been identified and are under protective custody, according to a police statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, April 2.
The news announcement underlined that prompt action has been taken to guarantee the mother and young girl’s safety and security.
Myjoyonline had also stated that the Ghana Police Service in addition announced that steps have been taken to provide the girl with the required support and assistance “while the matter is being investigated,” in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
I truly admired the work you’ve put in here. The design is refined, your authored material stylish, however, you seem to have acquired some trepidation about what you intend to present next. Undoubtedly, I’ll revisit more regularly, similar to I have nearly all the time, in the event you sustain this rise.
I’ve been visiting this site for years, and it never fails to impress me with its fresh perspectives and wealth of knowledge. The attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident. This is a true asset for anyone seeking to learn and grow.