The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has clarified that the viral social media video depicting a ceremony in Nungua was a traditional rite, not a marriage event.
The ceremony on Saturday, March 30, 2024, sparked controversy, with calls for the arrest of Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, for allegedly marrying a minor against the law.
After engaging with stakeholders involved, including the Ga priest and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Minister stated that the event did not involve marrying the girl to the Wulomo.
“During the event a lot of things were said and the information came out as if they were marrying the girl to the Wulomo.”
“Through these discussions, it became evident that there were no intentions of carnal relations with the young girl,” he said Sunday, April 07, 2024 on Accra-based JoyNews.
He emphasized that discussions revealed no intentions of engaging in carnal relations with the young girl.
Furthermore, the Minister revealed that the girl at the center of the controversy has been relocated from the Nungua Community for her welfare.
Amid ongoing investigations, Mr. Asamoah Boateng pledged to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and local communities to ensure justice and accountability, reaffirming the government‘s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of minors.
Following a preliminary investigation, it was disclosed that the girl is not 12 years old, as initially reported, but will turn 16 in June this year.