By: Jude Tackie
Women from a variety of backgrounds have voiced their opinions amid the ongoing issue in Ghana around the marriage of a 12-year-old girl to a 63-year-old priest.
In a quick engagement with happyghana.com, the majority of women expressed outright rejection of such customary practices, stating they would never allow their daughters to be subjected to child marriage.
“I would never allow this ’cause it’s never done. No!” exclaimed one woman. “12 years is obviously underage and a violation of her rights and human dignity. Customs or not, I will protect my child.”
Another respondent echoed similar sentiments, “Whether it’s packaged as a betrothal or marriage, whether for money or whatever reason it’s still exploiting a young girl. I would never accept such a thing for my daughter.”
However, one woman offered a more nuanced viewpoint, acknowledging the importance of respecting customs – even if she wouldn’t follow it herself.
“Our traditions hold great significance, and customs need to be respected. However, I would not subject my daughter to such an arrangement that disregards her wellbeing.”
The diverse reactions stress the complexities surrounding the clash between long-held cultural practices and modern human rights standards, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable children.
These sentiments echo the widespread public condemnation of the recent child marriage. The case has sparked a national conversation about the need to protect children and eradicate harmful traditional practices.
The story continues to develop, with the family of the child bride issuing a warning to the police who took her into protective custody.