The news of a 63-year-old traditional priest marrying a 12-year-old girl in the name of tradition has sparked an investigation by the Ghana Police Service.
This viral report has garnered significant interest both locally and internationally, leading to outrage among some Ghanaians online.
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that they have successfully located the 12-year-old girl who was reportedly married to the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo in Nungua, Accra.
Currently, the girl and her mother are under the protection of the police.
“The Ghana Police Service is working with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare to provide her with the necessary support while the matter is being investigated,” a statement issued by the Police said.
Despite the backlash, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, a spokesperson for the temple, explained that the selection of Naa Yomo Ayemuade (the 12-year-old girl) by Gborbu Wulomo is a spiritual practice that began six years ago.
She is expected to fulfil a specific role within the shrine. This role has traditionally been reserved only for virgins. According to him, the critics who have expressed their disapproval of this situation fail to grasp the fundamental principles of the Ga-Dangbe tradition.
In a press conference, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II said:
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. Because it goes beyond what is being preached out there. It is deeper than what is being preached. It is deeper for our spirituality.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo has urged the state to take legal action against those responsible for the event. She emphasized that such actions should be considered criminal and require state intervention.
“I am expecting that the state, the Government of Ghana should have intervened, that is their legal responsibility.
“I am expecting that with immediate effect the state ought to have intervened to address the issue because what has happened is a crime and is unlawful under our Children Act, under our 1992 Constitution and we have ratified the international convention on the rights of children’s.
So it is clearly unlawful, I expect the state to intervene and to also protect the girl,” the private legal practitioner told TV3 in an interview on News 360 on Monday, April 1.
“I expect the government, the police, the Ministry of Gender to intervene…and ensure that the legal processes are initiated.
“Whether the parents are contented or not it is immaterial, our law is very clear that the minimum age of marriage of whatever kind shall be 18 years. You can only get married in Ghana if you are 18 years and above, she stressed.”
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