The newlywed Priest and Priestess of Nungua
A 63-year-old Ga Priest is reported to have married a twelve-year-old girl, young enough to be his grandchild.
The conjugal ceremony between a twelve-year-old ‘bride’ and a 63-year-old groom in Nungua, a Ga community, has caused a sensation on the internet.
The customary marriage vows exchanged between Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and the underage Naa Okromo’ has stirred up intense debate and sadness within the community.
The stark age difference between the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo and the 12-year-old Naa Okromo has left many questioning the legal and moral implications of the union.
They claimed their traditional customs dictate that Naa Okromo must now adopt the traditional name Naa Ayemoede as she assumes her role as the wife of the Gborbu Wulomo. However, concerns are mounting over the well-being and welfare of Naa Ayemoede, given her tender age and the significant power dynamics at play in the marriage.
The completion of this union hinges on further rites, particularly a purification ceremony for Naa Ayemoede. This ritual is deemed essential to empower her to fulfill her duties as the wife of the Gborbu Wulomo, including the expectation of bearing children.
In accordance with tradition, the Gborbu Wulomo, having solidified his authority through this marriage, must also take a ‘Boi ekpaa yoo,’ his customary wife, also known as ‘sɛiheyoo.’ This solemn ritual, occurring only once in the Gborbu Wulomo’s lifetime, further underscores the gravity of the situation and the profound impact it has on the community.
Amidst the traditional rituals and ceremonies, questions linger about the rights and protection of Naa Ayemoede, a young girl thrust into a position of immense responsibility and expectation.
The marriage has sparked outrage among Ghanaians, who advocate for greater scrutiny and protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, in accordance with modern standards of morality and human rights.
Betrothal, also known in Akan culture as ‘Asiwa,’ has been outlawed, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years and above. Engaging in pedophilia is considered criminal and horrendous.
The gods of Nungua do not condone pedophilia.
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