In Ghana, the recent marriage between a 63-year-old influential traditional priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and a 12-year-old girl has sparked widespread outrage. The customary ceremony, held on Saturday, has drawn condemnation from many Ghanaians, highlighting the ongoing issue of child marriage in the country.
Despite the legal minimum marriage age being 18 in Ghana, child marriage persists, with statistics showing that 19% of girls are married before they reach 18, and 5% before their 15th birthday, according to Girls Not Brides, a global campaigning NGO.
Videos and photos of the elaborate ceremony, attended by numerous community members, circulated on social media, prompting an outcry. During the event, women advised the young bride on wifely duties, fueling further criticism and concern.
Critics have called for authorities to dissolve the marriage and investigate Mr. Tsuru. However, leaders of the Nungua indigenous community, where both the girl and the priest belong, defended the marriage, citing tradition and custom.
According to Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, a local community leader, the girl’s role as the priest’s wife is rooted in tradition, and the process began six years ago without interfering with her education.
The girl is expected to undergo a second customary ceremony to prepare her for marital responsibilities. Meanwhile, Mr. Tsuru, as a “Gborbu Wulomo” or traditional high priest, holds a significant spiritual position in the community.
While Ghanaian law recognizes customary marriages, it does not condone child marriages under the guise of culture or tradition. As of now, government authorities are yet to respond to the controversial union.
