Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Joseph Kobla Wemakor was left in disbelief and outrage after a video surfaced online showing a 63-year-old priest marrying a 12-year-old girl in what seemed to be a ceremonial event.
Wemakor expressed his shock during an interview on the Good Afternoon Ghana Show on Metro TV on Wednesday April 3, 2024.
Upon viewing the viral video, Wemakor and his organization promptly condemned the alleged marriage scandal, highlighting the disturbing nature of the footage where the MC was heard urging the young girl to fulfill her marital duties to her much older husband.
The significant age gap and the concerning content of the video prompted activists like Wemakor to call for immediate intervention by the authorities.
During the interview, Wemakor stressed the importance of annulling the marriage and holding all involved parties accountable. He emphasized the urgency of conducting thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the relationship.
These sentiments were echoed in a press release issued by HRRG on April 2, 2024, condemning the exploitation of the young girl under the guise of tradition.
In response to public outcry, the Office of Gborbu Wulomo organized a press briefing to provide clarity on the ceremonial proceedings. Rev. Dr. Daniel Nii Gyasi Ankrah disclosed that the girl, Naa Okromo, was destined to fulfill a sacred role as the future occupant of the revered stool of Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, a position deeply entrenched in tradition and lineage.
Wemakor continued to advocate for justice and transparency, emphasizing the crucial need for a comprehensive understanding of the rituals and customs associated with such practices to prevent misinformation and safeguard vulnerable individuals.
On the show, Hon. Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, an indigene of the Ga-dangbe land and a panelist clarified that the girl was not being married to Gborbu Wulomo but rather to the Gborbu deity, underscoring the significance of comprehending the cultural context and traditions of the Ga-Dangbe community.
The unfolding events sparked a national debate on the interpretation of cultural norms and the protection of children’s rights in Ghana.
Watch the full interview below:
https://youtu.be/AzSKPDJQ2WM?si=mVLmB3A0tCIiyqra
By Joshua Adjei