Couple Force Daughter Into Marriage

A Kumasi-based couple accused of forcing their 15-year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS) drop-out daughter to marry a 60-year old man, is helping the Police Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU) in its investigations into the case.

The couple, Mohammed Gao, 70 and Fati Mohammed, 42, resident are currently on Police enquiry bail. Briefing the ‘ Ghanaian Times’ on the issue, the Head of the Unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Comfort Boateng said the girl, Adiza Mohammed, was on August 11, summoned by her father and told her that she was to be engaged to his (Gao) uncle, Mallam ali, resident in Abidjan, La Cote d’Ivoire.

Although Adiza protested against the marriage on the grounds that her suitor was too old, her parents, with the assistance of other relatives, went ahead to perform the necessary rites the same day. On learning that her supposed husband had arrived from Abidjan to take her away, Adiza fled from home. She roamed about until last week when she met a good Samaritan who took her home, clothed and fed her and then took her to WAJU.

Upon their arrest, her parents told the police that Adiza was betrothed to Mallam Ali at the age of five. They said that Mallam Ali has since then been catering for her and that it is improper for the girl to refuse the marriage.