The Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse has clarified that the customary rites conducted on Saturday, March 30, for a minor and the 63-year-old Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, Gborbu Wulomo, were for her union with the Gborbu deity.
These rituals were aimed at facilitating her assumption of the role of Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, one of the four traditional and religious wives of the Gborbu deity.
In a statement signed by Rev. D. N. Gyasi Ankrah, Director of Administrations, the office emphasized that there was no involvement of carnal relationship or marriage, as commonly perceived.
The statement aimed to clarify misconceptions surrounding the customary and traditional rites performed during the weekend.
The ceremony, initially interpreted by many as marriage to the 63-year-old, occurred in Nungua, a suburb of Accra, and has faced condemnation from various quarters, including government agencies, international organizations, and the media.
The statement reiterated that the marriage was symbolic and symbolic, with the minor assuming responsibilities akin to a mother figure to priests and priestesses in Nungua. She would partake in festival rituals, carry corn wine for praises and thanksgiving, clean and perform ablution for the Gborbu Temple during the annual Kplejoo Homowo Festival, and tend to the needs of deities, including Aywemoede and Shade, duties typically reserved for a virgin.
Furthermore, the items presented during the ceremony were not typical marriage offerings but rather aids for the girl in her traditional duties.
Rev. Ankrah explained the selection process, noting that the Naa Yoomo Ahwemoede position had been vacant for 300 years after the former occupant’s passing. Spiritual consultations identified the minor as the chosen one, prophesied to fulfill the role before her birth.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse to uphold the constitution of the republic and reiterated its adherence to the law.
“We would like to emphasise that there is no carnal relationship or marriage involved as perceived by many.
“It has become necessary that the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse set the record straight on the matters arising concerning the customary and traditional rites performed over the weekend ..,” a statement signed by Rev. D. N. Gyasi Ankrah, Director of Administrations, Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, said.