Authorities in Ghana have taken swift action after a video surfaced online showing a traditional priest marrying a 12-year-old girl. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation across the country.
The girl, whose identity is being protected, was reportedly married to Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, a prominent priest in the Nungua area, during a large ceremony. Images and footage of the wedding, widely shared on social media, ignited public outcry.
Ghanaian law strictly prohibits child marriage, setting the minimum legal age for marriage at 18. Despite this, the practice persists in some communities.
Thankfully, the young girl is now under police protection. Authorities are investigating the incident and working with the government’s child welfare department to ensure she receives the support she needs.
The priest’s office has attempted to justify the ceremony as a mere formality, claiming the girl was “prepared” for this role since childhood and that her education wouldn’t be affected. However, these claims have been met with widespread skepticism.
Many, including journalist Zubaida Afua Mabuno Ismail, have emphasized the core issue: the girl’s age. “We say that SHE’S A CHILD NOT A BRIDE,” she wrote on social media.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against child marriage in Ghana. While the legal framework exists to protect children, cultural practices and traditions can sometimes create loopholes. Public vigilance and swift action by authorities, as seen in this case, are crucial in combating this harmful practice.
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