Opinion: The Blatant Abuse of Power by 63-Year-Old Ghana Priest Under The Name of Spirituality

The recent revelation of a 63-year-old priest marrying a 12-year-old girl in Ghana has sparked outrage and highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of child marriage in the country. This abhorrent act, under the guise of "spiritual duties," is a flagrant abuse of power and a violation of the rights of the child.

First and foremost, let us be unequivocal: there is no justification, cultural or otherwise, for marrying off a child. The fact that this heinous act was perpetrated by a respected spiritual leader only adds to the gravity of the situation. It is appalling that someone entrusted with spiritual authority would exploit it for personal gain, disregarding the well-being and rights of a vulnerable child.

The attempt to rationalise this despicable act by claiming that it is not about a sexual relationship is both absurd and insulting. Marriage, by its very nature, entails a level of intimacy and responsibility that a child is in no position to comprehend or fulfil. To suggest otherwise is to perpetuate a dangerous falsehood and perpetrate further harm on the victim.

Moreover, the defence that the girl is not expected to fulfil marital duties until she reaches the legal age of consent is utterly meaningless. Child marriage, regardless of whether consummated immediately, is a violation of the child's rights and exposes them to a myriad of physical, emotional, and psychological risks. The fact that the priest already has three customary wives is no excuse; it only underscores the entrenched patriarchal attitudes that continue to prevail in our society.

The images of the wedding ceremony, with community members in attendance, are deeply disturbing. The casual acceptance and participation in such a reprehensible act reflect a disturbing lack of awareness and adherence to the laws protecting children in Ghana. The advice given to the young girl by attendees, urging her to prepare for wifely duties and enhance her appeal to her husband, further exemplifies the toxic gender norms that perpetuate the cycle of child marriage.

It is heartening to see swift action taken by Ghanaian authorities, with the girl and her mother placed under police protection and an investigation initiated by the attorney general's office. However, this must be just the beginning. The perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and measures must be implemented to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.

As a society, we cannot turn a blind eye to the exploitation and abuse of our children. We must stand together to condemn child marriage in all its forms and work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The time for action is now. Ghana must send a clear message that child marriage will not be tolerated, and those who perpetrate it will be brought to justice.