The GaDangme Council has set the records straight on the relationship between a traditional Ga priest and a 12-year-old girl, saying the union is just a betrothal and not a marriage.
There have been serious public criticisms following the Saturday, March 30, 2024, marital rites performed for Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, a 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo and a 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo.
Following the criticisms including calls for the arrest and prosecution of the traditional priest, the Wulomo defended the marriage by calling his critics ignorant.
Meanwhile, the GaDangme Council, has, in a statement issued Monday, April 1, 2024, indicated that it had engaged the Gborbu Wulomo and some of his elders who have clarified to them that the young girl is only betrothed to the priest and not a marriage.
In a statement signed by its President, Joseph Nii Ayikwei Otoo, it said 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 statement added.
The Council underscored the prohibition of indulging in sexual relationship with such a child to risk her education and endanger her childbirth considering the fact that her organs are not fully developed, even though the betrothal could involve an underage person.
The Council urged Gborbu Wulomo to address the issue, alleviate the concerns surrounding the betrothal, and ensure that the girl’s well-being and rights are safeguarded, and that her best interests, such as her education, are prioritized 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.
