- A 63-year-old Ghanaian traditional priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII has stirred controversy after tying the knot with a 12-year-old girl
- This move has sparked widespread outrage and calls for intervention
- During the ceremony, women speaking in the local language were heard advising the girl to prepare for marital duties and to use the perfumes they gifted her to enhance her sexual attractiveness to her husband
Controversy and outrage have erupted in Ghana following the marriage between a 63-year-old traditional priest and a 12-year-old girl.
The wedding, conducted in accordance with customary traditions, has drawn widespread condemnation, sparking calls for authorities to intervene.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, a prominent figure in the Nungua indigenous community, tied the knot with the young girl in a ceremony attended by dozens.
Despite the legal minimum marriage age in Ghana being 18, community leaders have defended the union, citing tradition and custom.
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Critics have raised concerns about the welfare of the young bride, particularly given the statements made during the ceremony advising her on marital duties and enhancing her sexual attractiveness to her husband.
These remarks have fueled outrage, with many calling for the marriage to be annulled and for Mr. Tsuru to be investigated.
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However, leaders within the Nungua community have pushed back against the criticism, emphasizing that the marriage is rooted in tradition and is not uncommon within their culture.
Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, a local community leader, explained that the girl began the rites to become the priest’s wife six years ago, but her education was not compromised in the process.
According to reports, the girl is set to undergo a second customary ceremony to prepare her for her role as the high priest’s wife, including duties such as childbearing.
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Mr. Tsuru, as a “Gborbu Wulomo” or traditional high priest, holds significant influence within the community and plays a vital role in upholding cultural traditions and conducting rituals.
Despite the controversy surrounding the marriage, government officials have yet to address the issue directly. While Ghanaian law recognizes customary marriages, it expressly prohibits child marriages disguised as cultural or traditional practices.
The case has reignited discussions around child marriage in Ghana, where despite progress in reducing its prevalence, it still persists in certain communities.
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According to Girls Not Brides, a global NGO campaigning against child marriage, 19% of girls in Ghana marry before the age of 18, with 5% marrying before the age of 15.
