In response to public outrage, Ghanaian police have intervened to protect a 12-year-old girl and her mother after news of the girl’s marriage to a 63-year-old priest sparked widespread condemnation. The wedding ceremony occurred on Saturday, March 30, in Nungua, Ghana, as the man, identified as Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, married the child, reportedly named Naa Okromo.
The priest reportedly selected the girl when she was just six years old.
According to the Ghana Police Service, they have located the 12-year-old girl and she is now under police protection, along with her mother.
The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare, is providing the necessary support to the girl while the matter is under investigation,” the Police stated.
This development follows calls from various quarters, including the African Education Watch think tank, numerous celebrities, and social media commentators, demanding the immediate arrest of Gborbu Wulomo for his involvement in marrying the child.
In a Facebook post, Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of African Education Watch, emphasized that it is illegal to marry a 12-year-old girl according to the law. He stated, “The excuse that she won’t be performing conjugal duties is immaterial to the law. The cops must grab the Nungua Wulomo and cohorts now!”
Gborbu Wulomo, who serves as the Overlord of all Ga-Damgbe State, is at the center of the controversy.