In Ghana, the minimum legal age for marriage is 18 years under the Children Act 1998, and yet, according to the charity ‘Child, Not Bride’, children who married by the age of 15 years old in Ghana is at 5%, while girls who married by 18 years old is at 18%.
1 in 5 girls aged 20-24 years are married before the age of 18. While the prevalence of child marriage in Ghana has declined over the past three decades, progress has not been even within regions.
Child marriage is a practice deeply rooted in harmful traditions and norms that perpetuate gender inequality, reproductive health risks, educational barriers, harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), and violence against girls.
The stark age difference between a groom and the bride-to-be, now known as Naa Ayemoede by tradition, is a stark reminder of the power differentials and lack of agency faced by young girls in such arrangements. This customary marriage between Gborbu Wulomo and Naa Okromo in Nungua, with the vast age difference between 63 and 12 respectfully.
While customs may dictate her transformation into a wife, it is crucial to acknowledge that she is a child, not emotionally, mentally, or physically prepared for the responsibilities thrust upon her.
Child marriage is a violation of fundamental human rights, denying girls like Naa Ayemoede their right to a safe and fulfilling childhood. It robs them of their autonomy, education, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Furthermore, it perpetuates cycles of poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence, trapping girls in harmful situations with devastating consequences for their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
This marriage directly contradicts efforts towards women’s empowerment and gender equality. By marrying off young girls, societies deny them the opportunity to pursue education, develop skills, and participate fully in social and economic activities. This not only limits their personal growth and potential but also reinforces harmful gender norms that prioritize male authority and control over women’s lives and choices.
Moreover, child marriage is a form of gender-based violence (GBV) that must be stopped at all levels. It denies girls their autonomy, exposes them to physical and emotional harm, and robs them of their childhood and future opportunities. It is a violation of their rights and dignity, and it must be unequivocally condemned and eradicated from our societies.
Despite clear legal provisions under the Children’s Act 1998 in Ghana, which sets the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 years with no exceptions, we witness a ceremony that blatantly disregards the protections put in place to safeguard our children. This is not merely a breach of law but a profound betrayal of our duty to nurture and protect our young ones.
According to a UNICEF report, 15 million girls worldwide marry before their 18th birthday. A breakdown of the above reveals that 41,000 girls get married every day; 28 girls get married every minute and a girl gets married every two seconds.
The data also indicates that more than 700 million women alive today were married before their 18th birthday. This is equivalent to 10 per cent of the world’s population (approximately 7.25 billion currently) six with around one in three (about 250 million) entering into the union before the age that of 15.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service 2022 data on child marriage, some 79,733 girls in the country aged between 12 and 17 are married or living with a man. The data said out of the total number, 25,999 girls between the ages of 12 to 14 fell within the Junior High School age category.
It said the regions with the highest percentage of girls were the Northeast Region with thirteen per cent, the Savannah Region with 10.9 per cent and the Northern Region with 10.6 per cent. All the regions mentioned in the report had rates more than twice the national average, which was four per cent.
According to a 2017 report by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Child marriage disproportionally affected the girl child more than boys. Only two per cent of boys aged twenty to twenty-four years were married before age eighteen as compared to twenty-one per cent of girls.
Ending Child Marriage
Ending child marriage is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders at local, national, and international levels. Here are several ways to end child marriage and why it is crucial:
Child marriage is not merely a cultural relic; it is a violation of basic human rights and a perpetuation of gender inequality. The notion of “purification” rituals to prepare her for marital duties underscores the archaic beliefs that prioritize tradition over the well-being of individuals, especially vulnerable young girls.
By condemning child marriage and amplifying Naa Okromo’s story, we challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those who perpetuate such practices. We must break the cycle of silence and complicity that allows child marriage to persist. Every child deserves a childhood free from the burdens of adult responsibilities, free to pursue education, dreams, and a future of their choosing.
Ending child marriage requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses root causes such as poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, and harmful traditional practices. It necessitates legislative action, community engagement, and robust support systems for at-risk children. Moreover, it requires a shift in societal attitudes that no longer tolerate the exploitation and abuse of young girls under the guise of tradition.
Naa Okromo’s story is not just a tragedy; it is a call to action. As a society, we cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of girls forced into early marriages. We must speak out, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes and interventions that safeguard the rights and dignity of every child.
Child marriage is a grave injustice that must be condemned and eliminated, paving the way for a future where every girl can grow up free, empowered, and able to fulfill her dreams.
