The 12-year-old girl who is said to have been married to the 63-year-old Priest Gborbu Wulomo in Nungua, Accra, has been identified and located by the Ghana Police Service. Right now, the girl and her mother are being guarded by the police.
An arrest request has been made in response to a traditional Ghanaian priest who married a 12-year-old girl, causing a nationwide uproar.
The girl was married in a traditional ceremony on Saturday near Accra by the 63-year-old priest Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, popularly known as Gborbu Wulomo.
Soon after the marriage, the girl’s mother was placed under police protection while an investigation was launched by Ghana’s attorney general.
“The allegations, if proven, constitute a criminal offense for which all persons involved must face prosecution,” a statement from the attorney general’s office said.
Under Ghanaian law, the legal minimum age for marriage is 18.
Police and officials say the girl is 12, but the traditional authorities involved say she is 16.
“The Ghana Police Service has identified and located the 12-year-old girl who is alleged to have been married to the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo in Nungua, Accra. The girl and her mother are currently under Police protection.”
Defending his actions, the priest’s spokesperson insisted the marriage was not about sexual relations.
Without giving her age, he said the girl would not be expected to fulfill marital duties until she reaches the legal age of consent, which is 16 in Ghana.
“It’s not a marriage ceremony. There is nothing sexual attached to it. The priest has three customary wives already. It’s a customary role to help the priest with his spiritual duties,” spokesperson Mankralo Shwonotalor told AFP by telephone.
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He said her rights had not been infringed and the girl was still attending school. But public condemnation intensified over the traditional ceremony.
Gender activist and former minister Nana Oye Bampoe Addo said the marriage was illegal.
“The state must act immediately,” she told AFP, saying the cultural practice was incompatible with Ghana’s law and constitution.
“What has just happened is a crime and unlawful.”
All those involved in this should be behind bars including the priests.
Be careful how you use your authority and influence, be wise, and treat others with respect.
Chychy Jonas
