The marriage between a 63-year-old priest named Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, and a 12-year-old girl named Naa Okromo in Ghana has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
Following the viral circulation of videos and photos depicting their traditional marriage ceremony, criticism and backlash ensued.
The young girl was advised by women attending the ceremony to dress elegantly and use perfumes. She was also told to be prepared for married life.
Critics argue that the advice given during the ceremony implies that the marriage holds more significance than merely ceremonial, prompting calls for authorities to dissolve the union and investigate Priest Tsuru, who holds the traditional title of ‘Gborbu Wulomo’.
Many Ghanaians have condemned the marriage, which was attended by approximately a dozen community leaders.
Despite this, leaders from the Nungua indigenous community, to which both the bride and the priest belong, have defended the union, dismissing criticism as lacking understanding.
Certain community leaders supporting the marriage argue that critics fail to grasp their customs and traditions.
Recent reports indicate that the girl is set to undergo a second customary ceremony aimed at preparing her for marital responsibilities, including childbearing.
Tsuru stated that the girl initiated the rites to become the priest’s wife six years ago, with no interference with her education.
Although customary marriages are recognised by Ghanaian law, child marriages disguised as cultural practices are explicitly forbidden, and the legal minimum age for marriage in Ghana is set at 18.
Approximately 19% of girls in Ghana are married before turning 18, with 5% married even before reaching their 15th birthday, as noted by the NGO Girls Not Brides.
Despite this concerning trend, government authorities have not yet addressed this controversial marriage.
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