Members of the Nungua Traditional Council on Thursday night protested at the Coconut Groove Hotel in Accra, demanding the release of their queen, Naa Okromo Ayemuede, who is currently under state protection.
Naa Okromo Ayemuede’s marriage to the Gborbu Wulomo deity, officiated by Gborbu Wulomo Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, sparked public outrage due to her status as a minor. She has been under police protection while investigations into the controversial marriage are ongoing.
The police took custody of the young queen due to concerns over the legality of her marriage because of her age. Tensions rose when members of the Nungua Traditional Council protested at the hotel where the queen was being held, demanding her immediate release.
Speaking to the media, a representative of the Nungua Traditional Council expressed the urgency of their demand, stating, “She is there, we have the evidence that she is there. That is the place where we have been feeding her, she is in good hands, but we need her… all we need is, we need our queen mother,” he said.
Initial reports indicated that the queen was 12 years old, but subsequent clarification from traditional leaders stated that she is 15, a figure confirmed by the government. Ghana’s constitution, however, sets the age of consent for marriage at 18 years.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection announced that, following advice from the Attorney General’s office, Naa Ayemuede will be released to her family after signing a bond.
The Ministry stated that the child has undergone counseling and does not have any immediate health issues. Additionally, the Ministry confirmed that Naa Ayemuede is not pregnant.