A 14-year-old orphan girl who was forced into marriage in Kumasi-Atonsu has been rescued following swift intervention by concerned individuals and child protection advocates.
The girl, who lost both parents at a young age, was allegedly married off by her grandmother and other family members in exchange for money from an older man.
According to reports, the marriage was arranged without her consent, despite the girl expressing no interest in such a union.
Before the marriage took place, the teenager confided in a concerned community member, revealing her fears and desire to escape.
Arrangements were made for her to join a skills-training program in hairstyling and fashion design, but she later changed her mind under unclear circumstances. Shortly afterward, the marriage went ahead.
Witnesses described the ceremony as humiliating. The girl was reportedly dressed in her late mother’s old clothing, which did not fit.
In an attempt to make the clothes appear suitable, rags were stuffed into her chest—a degrading act that drew public outrage.
Human rights advocates have condemned the incident as a violation of the child’s dignity, rights, and future.
“This innocent child, who should have been in school or learning a trade, was treated as property and denied her childhood,” one advocate said.
Authorities have since confirmed that the girl has been rescued and is now in safe custody.
Child protection agencies and social welfare officers are working to provide her with psychosocial support and to secure her long-term wellbeing.
The case has sparked renewed calls for stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage in Ghana.
Despite legislation setting the minimum age of marriage at 18, forced and early marriages persist in parts of the country, often leaving victims vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and loss of educational opportunities.
Child rights groups are urging the public to report suspected cases of forced marriage and to help safeguard children’s futures.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
