The Ghana Police Service has identified a 12-year-old girl in Nungua who is purportedly married to a 63-year-old Ga priest. The matter has sparked public outcry, and the youngster is now under police protection.

The Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, came under fire when a video showing him weding 12-year-old Naa Okromo surfaced online.

On Saturday, March 30, 2024, a traditional marriage ceremony took place in Nungua. In defence of himself, Gborbu Wulomo said that the girl would not be required to perform marital duties.

However, the police underlined in a brief statement that swift action had been taken to guarantee the little girl’s safety and protection; she and her mother are currently being guarded by the police.

In order to give the girl the support and help she needs at this trying time, the Ghana Police Service said that they have started working with the Department of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.

The 63-year-old Ga priest and the 12-year-old girl’s marriage ceremony have been denounced by the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG).

The Paediatric Society of Ghana stated in a statement dated April 1, 2024, “The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has observed with great distress the discourse on various media platforms on a report of a 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.”

“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.”

However, the GaDangme Council has made it clear that the 12-year-old girl and a traditional ga priest is just betrothal not marriage.

The Council stated it had discussions with Gborbu Wulomo and a few of his elders in a statement released on Monday, April 1, and signed by its president, Ayikoi Otoo.

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.”