The Ghana Police Service has announced that the 12-year-old girl who allegedly married a 63-year-old Ga priest in Nungua has been located and placed under police protection.
On Saturday, March 30, a viral video surfaced online showing the Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, marrying a 12-year-old girl named Naa Okromo in Nungua. The video made netizens concerned as they threw tantrums at Gborbu Wulomo.
The police stated on Facebook that the young girl and her mother are under the service’s protection.
“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”, the service stated.
The service stated that they are collaborating with the Gender Ministry to provide the necessary assistance to Miss Kromo and her mother.
“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”, the service added.
In relation to this issue, the GaDangme Council in a statement signed and issued by its President, Ayikoi Otoo on Monday, April 1 clarified that the traditional marriage ceremony between the Gborbu Wulomo and the 12-year-old girl is just a betrothal and not a marriage.
“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”, Ayikoi Otoo clarified.
In furtherance to this, the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has condemned Gborbu Wulomo’s move, and says it is a breach of The Children’s Act, 1998 law.
“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.”