Ghanaian police have placed a 12-year-old girl married to a traditional worship high priest in protective custody following public outcry in Accra.
The marriage ceremony which was held last Saturday saw the chief priest identified as Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, proudly embracing the teenager as community members in the Nungua area of Accra, urged the girl to prepare herself for marital duties. The legal age for marriage in Ghana is 18 years.
According to BBC reports the 63-year-old chief priest also known as “Gborbu Wulomo” – performs sacrifices on behalf of the community, prays for their protection, enforces cultural practices and leads traditional rites during events such as the installation of traditional chiefs.
The office of the influential priest, who serves an indigenous community in the capital, defended the marriage, saying it was only ceremonial.
Police say they have identified and tracked down the girl and she is now under their protection, along with her mother.
Contact had been made with the government’s children’s minister and the social welfare department to ensure the 12-year-old gets the necessary support while investigations continue, their statement added.
