Accra: Justice Sir Dennis Adjei, a Supreme Court nominee, has highlighted a constitutional gap in the country's laws concerning 'marriage and sex,' emphasizing the need for legislative attention. He pointed out that while individuals are legally permitted to engage in sexual activity at 16, they are only eligible for marriage at 18, which he described as a gap requiring resolution.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Adjei addressed this issue during his vetting by Parliament's Appointments Committee. He noted that if a 16-year-old voluntarily engages in sexual activity, the law does not hold any party accountable, yet marriage remains off-limits until the age of 18. He questioned the implications of this legal gap and suggested aligning the legal ages for marriage and sexual consent to 18.
Justice Adjei also suggested that young individuals should focus on education or vocational training before entering marriage, ensuring their independence in case of future marital dissolution. He further expressed concerns about practices like canning, labeling them as human rights violations against children, and criticized the persistence of outdated beliefs in witchcraft.
This discourse comes in the context of President John Mahama's nomination of seven justices, including Justice Adjei, from the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court. The nominations, in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution, require the President to consult the Council of State and obtain Parliament's approval.
