If You Can't Marry at 16, Why Have Sex at 16?- Justice Adjei Challenges Disparity in Marriage and Consent Ages

Jun 17, 2025 - 00:03

Accra, Ghana - 17 June, 2025 - In a thought-provoking critique, Supreme Court nominee Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei has challenged the apparent inconsistency between Ghana's legal age for marriage and the age of sexual consent, raising important questions about the country's legal framework and its implications for young people.

Justice Adjei raised a pertinent question during his parliamentary vetting on Monday, June 16, querying the logic behind allowing 16-year-olds to consent to sex while prohibiting them from getting married.

"If you can't marry at 16, why have sex at 16?", he asked.

According to Ghanaian law, individuals must be at least 18 years old to get married, as stipulated by the Children's Act of 1998. However, the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 sets the age of sexual consent at 16 years. This disparity has sparked debate among legal experts, child rights advocates, and social workers, who argue that it creates vulnerabilities for minors.

Justice Adjei's comments suggest that he believes the laws should be harmonized to protect young people. His remarks are likely to revive discussions on how to ensure that Ghana's legal provisions are consistent and serve the best interests of children.

As a seasoned jurist with expertise in human rights law, Justice Adjei's views on this matter are significant. His nomination to the Supreme Court is currently being scrutinized by Parliament, which will assess his suitability for the role.

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