A chief government statistician in Ghana is recommending
that the legal age for marriage in the country be raised from 18 to 23
years old.
According to the BBC, Philomena Nyarko is pushing for the increase in the legal age to give women more time to become “physically and mentally” prepared for childbirth.
“It is well known that health outcome for both mother and child improve, if pregnancy is delayed until when the young woman has matured for marriage and childbearing, to help save the lives of both mother and child,” Ms Nyarko said.
It could also slow population growth in Ghana by 15% to 20%, the statistician added, according to the BBC.
Nyarko’s proposal comes even as lawmakers in Nigeria are considering a constitution amendment that will put the legal marriage age for women at 18 years, the “full age” by law in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s constitution previously held 18 to be the “full age”, but said for women, they could be considered of full age when married, be they 18 or younger.
On Tuesday, an amendment to that clause in the constitution was voted on, with many lawmakers in favour. However, former Zamfara State governor, Senator Yerima argued against it.
Yerima, who married a 13-year old girl from Egypt in 2009, argued that the amendment would contradict Islamic law, which allows marriage at the age of puberty.
According to the BBC, Philomena Nyarko is pushing for the increase in the legal age to give women more time to become “physically and mentally” prepared for childbirth.
“It is well known that health outcome for both mother and child improve, if pregnancy is delayed until when the young woman has matured for marriage and childbearing, to help save the lives of both mother and child,” Ms Nyarko said.
It could also slow population growth in Ghana by 15% to 20%, the statistician added, according to the BBC.
Nyarko’s proposal comes even as lawmakers in Nigeria are considering a constitution amendment that will put the legal marriage age for women at 18 years, the “full age” by law in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s constitution previously held 18 to be the “full age”, but said for women, they could be considered of full age when married, be they 18 or younger.
On Tuesday, an amendment to that clause in the constitution was voted on, with many lawmakers in favour. However, former Zamfara State governor, Senator Yerima argued against it.
Yerima, who married a 13-year old girl from Egypt in 2009, argued that the amendment would contradict Islamic law, which allows marriage at the age of puberty.
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