A controversial customary marriage between a 63-year-old priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and a 12-year-old girl has sparked outrage in Ghana.
According to Mail online news, the ceremony, held in Nungua, Krowor, has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling for the authorities to intervene and dissolve the union.
Community leaders have defended the marriage, citing customs and traditions that permit the practice.
As the priest faces backlash from outsiders, community leaders in the area have said that people do not understand their customs and traditions, which saw the young girl being told to prepare for wifely duties and boost her ‘sex appeal’ with perfume she had been gifted.
‘In Nungua, the air is thick with tradition as the customary marriage between Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and a young girl named ‘Naa Okromo’ unfolds,’ said local news channel Ablade TV Online on its Facebook page.
According to the post, the 12-year-old wife of the priest is part of his assumption of authority.
According to tradition, the Gborbu Wulomo, having assumed his authority must also take a ‘Boi ekpaa yoo’, his customary wife,’ the post added.
The girl reportedly still has further rites to carry out until the union is complete.
She is set to undergo a second customary ceremony – one centered on ‘purification’.
‘This rite will empower her to fulfil all the duties expected of her as the wife of Gborbu Wulomo, including the crucial role of procreation,’ the post said.
Footage of the elaborate event show dozens of community members gathered to witness the wedding, triggering an outcry from several Ghanaians.
During the ceremony, women speaking in the local language Ga told the girl to dress teasingly for her new husband.
This sparked outrage as it suggested the marriage was not purely ceremonial.
Several critics have demanded the authorities to dissolve the marriage and investigate Tsuru.
