The GaDangme Council has clarified that the relationship between a traditional Ga priest and the 12-year-old girl is a betrothal, not a marriage.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, faced criticism after a video surfaced online showing him in a ceremony with the girl, Naa Okromo.
The traditional ceremony, which garnered attention, occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua.
Gborbu Wulomo defended his actions by explaining that the girl would not be expected to fulfill marital duties.
In a statement signed and issued by its President Ayikoi Otoo, on Monday, April 1, the Council stated that it had engaged with Gborbu Wulomo and some of his elders.
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.”
The Council acknowledged that while betrothal could involve an underage person, it does not permit the person to engage in a sexual relationship, as this could jeopardize the child’s education and health.
The Council urged Gborbu Wulomo to address the issue, alleviate concerns surrounding the betrothal, and ensure the girl’s well-being and rights are safeguarded. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing her best interests, including her education, 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.”
“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,” it stated.
AKUFO ADDO’S GOVERNMENT has given too much Prominence to Chiefs in Ghana, they are the ones that CREATE more Crimes with a section of the Youth and also encourage riots in our Townships.
If the Government had adhered to the noums of the Law and taking ACTION where appropriate our Chiefs would not ARROGATE to themselves Lands, Laws and Marriages to themselves without recourse to the Law. Most Lands in the country BELONG to FAMILIES not Chiefs and the Government is likely going to CAUSE more Trouble in our Districts.