Justice Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie, Ghana’s Chief Justice, addressed traditional leaders in the Northern Region, warning that early marriage of girls from poor households remains a serious threat to their future. The remarks were made during the inauguration and swearing‑in of executives for six SHS Justice Clubs and the Orange Girls Justice Clubs at Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO).
He noted that children from wealthy families rarely marry off their daughters at age 12, whereas girls from poorer homes are often exposed to early marriage. The Chief Justice appealed to regional traditional authorities to help educate communities about the dangers of child marriage and female genital mutilation, stressing that both practices are unacceptable.
Speaking to the assembled leaders, Baffoe‑Bonnie cited former female Chief Justices and the Vice President as examples of what girls can achieve when given the chance to pursue their dreams. “It is always the children of the poor parents, who out of poverty and sometimes out of ignorance more or less sell their children to this rich man in the site. So to the traditional leaders here, I will add my voice to what the mentor said. Please you are the leaders of the society. Your words have an effect. So join the trainers in teaching the members of the society,” he said.
The Chief Justice’s call comes amid ongoing efforts to curb child marriage in Ghana, with civil society and government agencies pushing for stronger enforcement of existing laws and greater community outreach.
