Controversy Erupts as 63-Year-Old Ghanaian Priest Marries 12-Year-Old Girl- The marriage of a 63-year-old traditional priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, to a 12-year-old girl in Ghana has sparked widespread outrage and controversy. The ceremony, held in Nungua, was conducted in a customary manner, which has led to calls for the prosecution of the priest and the traditional authorities involved in the wedding. The legal minimum age for marriage in Ghana is 18, as stipulated by the Children’s Act passed in 2006.
Despite this, the Gborbu Wulomo shrine at Nungua defended the wedding, arguing that the girl, Naa Yomo Ayemuade, was chosen for a specific spiritual role that required her to be a virgin. This role is associated with attending to one of the 99 deities of the Ga-Adangbe group, which necessitates her purity.
Key Facts
- The marriage of a 63-year-old priest to a 12-year-old girl in Ghana has sparked significant controversy, reflecting broader debates about traditional customs, legal age limits for marriage, and the rights of children.
- Critics argue that the marriage violates the girl’s rights and the legal age limit for marriage in Ghana, while community leaders defend the marriage as a matter of tradition and custom.
- The incident underscores the complexities of navigating cultural practices and legal frameworks, particularly in the context of child marriage and the rights of children.
The spokesperson for the temple, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, explained that the marriage process began six years ago and that the girl will continue her education until she is mature enough to decide on her marital status. He also stated that the selection of the 12-year-old girl for this spiritual role is a traditional practice that goes beyond the typical understanding of marriage and is deeply rooted in their spirituality.
The controversy has stirred public outrage, with many calling for the prosecution of the traditional priest and the traditional authorities involved in the wedding. The incident has also reignited debates on the balance between respecting cultural traditions and protecting children’s rights in Ghana. Despite the backlash, the traditional authorities have defended the ceremony, attributing the outrage to misunderstandings of their traditions and customs.
The Ghanaian government has yet to comment on the controversial marriage. While Ghanaian law acknowledges customary marriages, it strictly prohibits child marriages under any cultural or traditional pretext. The incident has highlighted the complexities of navigating cultural traditions and legal regulations, particularly in the context of child marriage, which remains a significant issue in Ghana and other parts of Africa.
