Nungua Traditional Council and Chieftaincy Ministry Clarify: Gborbu Wulomo’s Child Bride Is 16, Not 12

The Nungua Traditional Council has clarified that Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, the supposed spouse of the Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, is currently 16 years old, contrary to earlier reports stating she was 12.

This statement contradicts the age of 13 given by the Mankralo of the Nungua traditional area in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

The priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, wedded the girl in a traditional ceremony drawing widespread criticism.

Ga-Dangbe community leaders have defended their actions, arguing that outsiders do not fully understand their customs and traditions.

Footage and images from the ceremony, attended by numerous community members, have circulated on social media, sparking outrage.

During the event, a woman, speaking in the local Ga language, advised the girl to dress provocatively for her husband and prepare for marital duties.

Critics are urging authorities to annul the marriage and launch an investigation into what they described as child marriage.

At a press conference in Accra, Wor Lumo Boni Nuumo Noi Osekan Kpeneku, a member of the Nungua Traditional Council said “The girl in question is actually 16 years old. We accept and agree that by the constitution of the land, she is underage. But she is not married as is being stated. That is not the issue.”

On his part, Rev Dr Daniel Nii Gyasi Ankrah, Director of Administration, Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse also noted that

“We would like to emphasise that there is no carnal relationship or marriage involved as perceived by many. Naa Yoomo attends one of the best private schools in Nungua. She has a chauffeur that takes her to school and brings her home. She’s been attended to.”

“As we have indicated for the past six years she has been performing this particular rite and for that matter, we have the elderly within the community that takes good care of her. She has no friends because she accepts and understands that the task that is ahead for her to perform does not permit her to have a normal child upbringing. It is part of being a royal.”

Meanwhile, the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has also shed light on the age of the new wife of the Ga priest saying she is not 12 years old as earlier reported but will be 16 years in July 2024.

“We seem to be unravelling some few things. For instance, the age of 12 which we were made to believe is incorrect. The child is almost 16 [but] still a minor,” he told Accra-based Joy FM.