In a troubling case sparking widespread public outrage, the Ghana Police Service has found and placed under protection a 12-year-old girl reportedly married to a 63-year-old Ga priest in Nungua.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, the Gborbu Wulomo, faced criticism following the circulation of a video showing his marriage to the 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo, online.
The traditional marriage ceremony took place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua.
Gborbu Wulomo defended himself by stating that the girl would not be expected to fulfil marital duties.
The Police issued a brief statement confirming swift action to safeguard the young girl and her mother, who are presently under police protection.
Additionally, they announced collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, along with the Department of Social Welfare, to provide essential support to the girl during this challenging period.
The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has strongly denounced the marriage ceremony between the 63-year-old Ga priest and the 12-year-old girl.
In a statement dated April 1, 2024, the PSG expressed profound concern over the discussion circulating on various media platforms regarding a reported Child Marriage in Accra.
“The PSG strongly condemns any act or perception or facilitation of Child Marriage. On the right to refuse betrothal and marriage, The Children’s Act, 1998 states: No person shall force a child (age less than 18 years) to be betrothed, to be the subject of a dowry transaction or to be married.”
But the GaDangme Council has clarified that the relationship between a traditional ga priest and the 12-year-old girl is just a betrothal and not a marriage.
The Council, in a statement signed and issued by its President, Ayikoi Otoo on Monday, April 1, said it had engaged with Gborbu Wulomo and some of his elders.
It is “important to clarify that the traditional ruler has stated that the relationship with the underage girl is a betrothal and not a marriage. This distinction to us has altered the legal implications.”
“We are inclined to side with the Gborbu Wulomo since the original reportage made the point that there was another ceremony that awaited the girl to purify and prepare her for procreation.”
