We’ll work closely with police to investigate Wulomo’s marriage to 12-yr-old – Gender Ministry

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ghana Police Service to conduct an investigation into Nungua Gborbu Wulomo’s marriage to a minor, Naa Kromo. The Gender Ministry, in a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit on April 2, hinted that, while people’s cultures must be respected, they are looking into the situation. “The Ministry reiterates its commitment to work closely with the Ghana Police Service and all relevant stakeholders to conduct thorough investigations into the alleged child marriage while upholding our cultural values as a people within the parameters of law”, the statement read. The ministry asserted that the Social Welfare Department is ensuring to prioritize the interest of the minor, Naa Kromo. “It is equally imperative at this point to prioritize the interest of Naa Okromo as required by our mandate. Accordingly, the Social Welfare Department is working assiduously to ensure that the best interest of the child remains paramount in all procedures taken to bring finality to the matter”, the ministry added. On Saturday, March 30, a viral video surfaced online showing the Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, marrying a 12-year-old girl named Naa Okromo in Nungua. The video made netizens concerned as they threw tantrums at Gborbu Wulomo. The Ghana Police Service has identified the young girl and her mother under the service’s protection. In relation to this issue, the GaDangme Council in a statement signed and issued by its President, Ayikoi Otoo on Monday, April 1 clarified that the traditional marriage ceremony between the Gborbu Wulomo and the 12-year-old girl is just a betrothal and not a marriage. “It is important to clarify that the traditional ruler has stated that the relationship with the underage girl is a betrothal and not a marriage. This distinction to us has altered the legal implications”, Ayikoi Otoo clarified. In furtherance to this, the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has condemned Gborbu Wulomo’s move, and says it is a breach of The Children’s Act, 1998 law. “The PSG strongly condemns any act or perception or facilitation of Child Marriage. On the right to refuse betrothal and marriage, The Children’s Act, 1998 states: No person shall force a child (age less than 18 years) to be betrothed, to be the subject of a dowry transaction or to be married.” It is equally imperative at this point to prioritize the interest of Naa Okromo as required by our mandate. Accordingly, the Social Welfare Department is working assiduously to ensure that the best interest of the child remains paramount in all procedures taken to bring finality to the matter”