The Ga Dangme Council has clarified that the relationship between Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, and the 12-year-old girl, Naa Kromo 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 emphasized that the relationship is not for procreation.
“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”,Ayikoi clarified.
He further stated that betrothal could involve underage however, it does not permit the person to have intimacy with such a child to ruin her education.
“We concede that whilst betrothal could involve an underage person, it does not grant license to the person to start having sexual relationship with such a child thereby jeopardizing her education and even endangering a difficult childbirth since her organs are not properly developed”, Ayikoi added.
The Council urged Gborbu Wulomo to address the issue, alleviate the concerns surrounding the betrothal, and ensure that the girl’s well-being and rights are safeguarded and that her best interests, such as her education, are prioritized throughout the engagement process.
“She should continue her education until she reaches the legal age of marriage, and even marriage should not disrupt her education if she is still willing to continue”, Ayikoi urged.
“The GaDangme Council also urges the parents of the child to keep an eye on her and let her understand that notwithstanding the betrothal demanded by custom, she is still a child and entitled to enjoy life and engage in youthful activities like all others of her age,” Portion of the statement read.
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