Kebba Ansu
Impeccable Sources closed to the offices of the Governor of Central River Region (CRR), Abba Sanyang has confirmed the quelling of a proposed Early Child Marriage that was widely expected to be held last Monday, disclosing that this was possible through the swift intervention of the Governor and members of the Technical Assistants Committee (TAC).
The source revealed to The Voice Newspaper that the incident involved a fourteen (14) years old Upper Basic school student supposed to marriage to a thirty three (33) years old adult at the disapproval of the child.
Early Child Marriage and forceful married has been a common norm practiced by many ethnic groups found in The Gambia but of recent the practiced has been band in the country with the enacting of the Children Act of 2005.
The Act describes the child as any person under the age of eighteen years and regards child abuse as any violation of the rights of a child which causes physical or mental harm to the child.
Among other things, the Act prohibits social and cultural practices that affect the welfare, dignity, normal growth and development, and life and health of a child or are discriminatory to the child and also prohibits the engagement of a child in exploitative labour and hazardous work, or labour that deprives the child of his or her health, education or holistic development.
“I can confirm that a child marriage case involving a 14 year old girl in grade 7 and 33 year old man, reported by the Regional Governor, has been nullified today in Bansang police Station.
All the Parties involved where invited to the said police station including the Alkalo of Sara Bakary for a discussion on the subject matter,” the source explained.
He added: “Section 24, sub-section 1,2,3 and 4 of the Children’s amendment Act 2016 were read before them (parties involved) and explained to them in the language they understand best. The minor has been given appointment for further counseling and psychosocial support.”
According to the source, it was through the efforts of the Regional Governor, the Police and Regional Education Directorate of Region 5 the matter has been resolved, disclosing the affected parties were seriously warned in strongest terms not to proceed with the married until when the child is legally due.
Abba Sanyang, Governor of Central River Region also confirmed the incident, disclosing that it was through the timely intervention of the Ministers of Women’ and children’s affairs and Education that matter came to a closure.
He told The Voice Newspaper that all the stakeholders involved are closely monitoring any unforeseeable development that may surface, while also commending to the Education Cluster Monitor of the area for his proactive role played.
