The Ghana Police Service has identified and located the 12-year-old girl who is alleged to have been married to the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo in Nungua, Accra.
The girl and her mother are currently under Police protection.
This is contained in a release stating an investigation has commenced on the matter.
“The Ghana Police Service is working with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare to provide her with their necessary support while the matter is being investigated.”
Meanwhile, the Gborbu Wulomo shrine in Nungua is defending itself against calls for the arrest of its 63-year-old priest over the marriage to a minor.
The controversy erupted following the marriage ceremony held on March 20, 2024, sparking widespread outrage and demands for the traditional priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII’s prosecution.
According to the Gborbu Wulomo temple, Naa Yomo Ayemuade has been designated to attend to one of the 99 deities of the Ga-Adangbe group, which necessitates her being a virgin.
This requirement led to the decision to publicly conduct the marriage ceremony to ensure her purity was maintained and to safeguard her from sexual violation by men.
A Spokesperson for the temple, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, explained that the selection of 12-year-old Naa Yomo Ayemuade by Gborbu Wulomo is a spiritual practice that began six years ago.
She is expected to fulfill a role within the shrine that is traditionally reserved only for virgins.
According to the Spokesperson, the critics who have cried foul over the development do not appreciate the tenets of the Ga Dangbe tradition.
Child Marriage
Child marriage is a concern in Ghana as various entities work to remove the practice.
Nearly 80,000 girls in Ghana already married or living with a man according to Statistical Service.
According to World Vision, 24.5% of girls under 16 involved in child marriage in Agortime Ziope in the Volta Region.
Meanwhile, Ghana has committed to a number of conventions on protection of rights. President Akufo-Addo promised to end child marriage in Ghana.
Among the Activists who have spoken against child marriage and the Ga tradition controversy are Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International, and former Gender Minister, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo.
