In a case that has stirred public outrage in Ghana, a 13-year-old girl allegedly married off to a 63-year-old Ga priest has been located by the Ghana Police Service in Nungua and placed under police protection.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana has criticized the Nungua Traditional Council (A Chieftaincy council of a tribe in Ghana) over the recent marriage between Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and the 13-year-old girl.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, the Gborbu Wulomo (The Ga Priest), faced backlash when a video of him marrying the 13-year-old girl, Naa Okromo, appeared online.
The traditional ceremony took place on Saturday March 30, 2024, and has sparked outrage among Ghanaians, leading to calls for the arrest of the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, who claims that the girl will not be expected to fulfil marital duties until she turns 18.
According to the Gborbu Wulomo temple, Naa Yomo Ayemuade has been designated to attend to one of the 99 deities of the Ga-Adangbe group, which necessitates her being a virgin.
This requirement led to the decision to publicly conduct the marriage ceremony to ensure her purity was maintained and to safeguard her from sexual violation by men.
A spokesperson for the temple, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, explained that the selection of 12-year-old Naa Yomo Ayemuade by Gborbu Wulomo is a spiritual practice that began six years ago.
She is expected to fulfill a role within the shrine that is traditionally reserved only for virgins.
According to the spokesperson, the critics who have cried foul over the development do not appreciate the tenets of the Ga Dangbe tradition.
“When somebody makes such a call it comes from a point of ignorance. Because first, you need to come closer and ask so that you will appreciate what it is but not take hook line, and sinker what is being said,” he said at a press conference.
“Because it goes beyond what is being preached out there. It is deeper than what is being preached. It is deeper for our spirituality,” he told Accra-based GHOne.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Sempe and Mankralo of the Ga State, Nii Adotey Otintor II condemned the marriage by the priest.
Speaking to JoyNews, the traditional leader called on the youth of the area to resist this development as it will dent the reputation of the townsfolk.
The Chieftaincy Ministry also says it is probing the circumstances surrounding the controversial customary marriage.
The NCCE however reminded the Ga Traditional Council of the Children’s Act, Act 560 of 1998, which states that the minimum age of marriage shall be 18 years and prohibits forcing a child into betrothal, dowry transactions, or marriage.
The NCCE also referred to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which recognizes the existence of ethnic groups in the country but also abolishes traditional practices that are injurious to an individual’s health and well-being.
In a contrarian twist, Gborbu Wulomo (The Ga Traditional Priest) has defended himself by stating that the girl would not be expected to fulfil marital duties.
But the Police in a brief statement noted that prompt action has been taken to ensure the safety and protection of the young girl and her mother, who are currently under police protection.
The Ghana Police Service added that in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare, they have initiated measures to provide the necessary support and assistance to the girl during this challenging time.
In a statement on April 2, 2024, the NCCE expressed concern about the situation and emphasized that cultural practices that are illegal and unconstitutional have no place in Ghana’s democracy.
The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has also condemned the marriage ceremony between the 63-year-old Ga priest and a 13-year-old girl.
In a statement dated April 1, 2024, the Paediatric Society of Ghana noted, “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.”
But the GA Dangme 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.”
“The NCCE wishes to remind the Ga Traditional Council that the Children’s Act, Act 560 of 1998, Section 13, (1&2) provides that “The minimum age of marriage of whatever kind shall be eighteen years”. It is also worth pointing out that the same section of the Children’s Act says that “No person shall force a child (a) to be betrothed; (b) to be the subject of a dowry transaction; or (c) to be married”. While the Nungua Traditional Council contends that this union is voluntary, it is unclear to the NCCE how a pre-pubescent, pre-teen minor can consent to such an arrangement.”
The Commission has urged the Nungua Traditional Council to review its practices under the laws and the Constitution of Ghana and to refrain from actions that may negatively impact the youth of Nungua.
NCCE has also called for the intervention of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the Department of Social Welfare to ensure the protection of the child’s best interests and the removal of child marriages from customary practices.
Source: www.citinewsroom.com , www.myjoyonline.com
