OMG! Traditional Ghanaian Priest, 63, marries 12-year-old Girl, Locals fume

In a controversial event that has sparked widespread outrage, a 63-year-old influential traditional  Ghanaian priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, married a 12-year-old girl in a customary ceremon.

This incident has ignited a fierce debate on the clash between tradition and the legal and moral obligations to protect children in Ghana, where the legal minimum age for marriage is 18.

The marriage, celebrated with elaborate customs in the Nungua indigenous community, was attended by dozens of community members and has since drawn criticism both nationally and internationally after videos and photos were shared on social media.

Commentary during the ceremony, advising the young girl on how to fulfill her wifely duties and appeal to her husband, has only intensified the public’s condemnation, suggesting the marriage is more than ceremonial.

Despite the legal and societal advancements Ghana has made in reducing child marriage, with the global campaigning NGO Girls Not Brides reporting a 19% rate of marriage before the age of 18, incidents like these highlight persistent challenges.

Critics have demanded the dissolution of the marriage and called for an investigation into Mr. Tsuru.

Defending the marriage, leaders of the Nungua community claim critics do not understand their customs and traditions.

Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, a community leader, insists that the girl’s marriage to the priest is rooted in tradition and has not interfered with her education.

He stated that the girl has been undergoing rites to become the priest’s wife for six years and is slated for a second ceremony to prepare her for marital life and responsibilities, including childbearing.

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Mr. Tsuru, as a “Gborbu Wulomo” or high priest, holds a significant spiritual and cultural position within the community, responsible for performing sacrifices, praying for protection, and leading traditional rites.

This incident places him at the center of a critical examination of the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders in modern society, especially concerning the protection of children’s rights and well-being.

As of now, government authorities have not responded to this controversial marriage.

This silence raises questions about the balance between respecting cultural practices and enforcing the law, especially in cases where child welfare is at stake.

The incident underscores the ongoing struggle to eradicate child marriage and the tension between tradition and the imperative to protect children in Ghana.

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