It has been made clear by the GaDangme Council that the 12-year-old girl and a traditional ga priest are merely engaged, not married.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, a 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, was criticized after a video of him being married to 12-year-old Naa Okromo appeared online.
On Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua, there was a traditional ceremony that drew notice.
Gborbu Wulomo justified his behaviour by claiming that the girl wouldn’t be required to perform household chores.
The Council stated it had discussions with Gborbu Wulomo and a few of his elders in a statement released on Monday, April 1, and signed by its president, Ayikoi Otoo.
It is crucial to make clear that the traditional ruler has declared that the girl’s connection is one of betrothal rather than marriage. For us, this distinction has changed the legal ramifications.
Since the initial narrative indicated that the girl was to be prepared for procreation by another ceremony, we are inclined to sympathize with the Gborbu Wulomo.
While the Council agreed that a betrothal could involve an underage person, it does not allow the individual to have a sexual connection with that kid, which could put her education at risk or even put her in danger of having a difficult delivery due to underdeveloped organs.
The Council asked Gborbu Wulomo to take action, allay worries about the engagement, and make sure the girl’s rights and welfare are protected, along with her best interests—like her education—being given top priority during the engagement process.
“She ought to pursue her education until she reaches marriageable age, and if she is still willing to do so, marriage shouldn’t stop her from doing so.”
It said, “The GaDangme Council also begs the child’s parents to watch over her and educate her to understand that despite the customary betrothal, she is still a child and entitled to enjoy life and engage in youthful activities like all others her age.”
Read the full details below
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