Child Marriage Controversy Erupts in Nungua: 63-Year-Old Chief Weds 12-Year-Old Girl1 min read
The customary marriage between Gborbu Wulomo, a 63-year-old chief known as Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and a 12-year-old girl named Naa Okromo has ignited a firestorm of debate in Nungua, Ghana. The ceremony, steeped in tradition, has cast a spotlight on the clash between cultural practices and child protection rights.
While Naa Okromo has assumed the traditional name Naa Ayemoede as part of the marriage rituals, the union is not considered complete until she undergoes a purification ceremony. This ceremony is seen as preparing her for the expected wifely duties, including childbirth, as per tradition.
The role of the Gborbu Wulomo also mandates the selection of a “bue ekpaa yoo” or customary wife. This revered tradition is considered vital to the chief’s lifelong authority over ceremonial affairs.
However, the marriage of a young girl to a much older man has sparked outrage within and beyond Nungua. The controversy has ignited discussions about the intersection of tradition, cultural norms, and the fundamental rights of children, particularly their protection from exploitation.
As the debate surrounding this customary marriage rages on, it underscores the urgent need for a critical evaluation of such practices to ensure the well-being and rights of all individuals, especially safeguarding minors in accordance with legal frameworks and child protection measures.
