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The Office of Gborbu Wulomo has issued a strong warning to the police, cautioning them that they will face consequences if any harm comes to their 13-year-old queen, Naa Okromo. She recently married 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII.
During a press conference, Rev. D.N. Gyasi Ankra, an administrator at the Office of Gborbu Wulomo, delivered the threat after the Ghana Police Service in Nungua placed the 13-year-old and her mother under police protection.
He emphasized, “The police say that the young lady who is our queen is under police protection. Therefore, if the police have remarked that she is under police protection, then we are telling the world that she is our royal. If anything happens to her, then we will hold the police accountable traditionally.”
However, the police have stated that they are collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, along with the Department of Social Welfare, to ensure the young girl receives essential support during the ongoing investigation.
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Gborbu Wulomo faced criticism when a video of the marriage ceremony surfaced online, which took place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua.
According to the spokesperson of Gborbu Wulomo, the young girl will not be required to fulfill marital responsibilities “until the fourth ritual is performed.”
He further clarified that the “Wulomo will not engage in any sexual relations with her as he must wait until she matures or reaches the legal age for marriage and childbirth.”
Meanwhile, the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) strongly denounced the marriage ceremony, emphasizing that it contravenes the Children’s Act of 1998, which prohibits forcing a child under the age of 18 into marriage.
However, the GaDangme Council clarified that the relationship between the traditional Ga priest and the 12-year-old girl is a betrothal, not a marriage.
The Council expressed support for Gborbu Wulomo’s position, citing initial reports that indicated another ceremony awaited the girl to prepare her for procreation.
“It’s important to clarify that the traditional ruler has stated that the relationship with the underage girl is a betrothal and not a marriage. This distinction, to us, alters the legal implications.”
“We are inclined to support the Gborbu Wulomo since the original reports indicated that another ceremony awaited the girl to purify and prepare her for procreation.”
