AG directs Police CID to investigate alleged child marriage between Nungua Gborbu Wulomo and 12-year-old
In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Faustina A.K. Andoh-Kwofie, the Director-General, CID, Deputy Attorney-General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah said should the allegations turn out true, her Office would prosecute the matter.
The Attorney-General had asked the IGP and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate an alleged case of child marriage between 63-year-old Nungua Gborbu Wulomo and a 12-year-old girl.
In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Faustina A.K. Andoh-Kwofie, the Director-General, CID, Deputy Attorney-General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah said should the allegations turn out true, her Office would prosecute the matter.
“As you are aware, sections 14 and 15 of the Children’s Act 1998 (Act 560) provide as follows: 14, Right to refuse betrothal and marriage (1) A person shall not force a child (a) to be betrothed, (b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction, or (c) to be married. (2) The minimum age of marriage of whatever kind is eighteen years.
“15, Penalty for contravention. A person who contravenes a provision of sections 2 to 14 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year or to both the fine and the imprisonment,” the AG’s letter read.
“The allegations, if proven, constitute a criminal offence for which all persons involved must face prosecution. We would appreciate it if you could cause your outfit to conduct the necessary investigation of the alleged child marriage to enable our Office to do the needful. Please do not hesitate to contact our Office should you require further information. Kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem” the AG”s letter further read.
