The government has commended the public for their concern and commitment to protecting the interests of children.

This commendation follows the widespread condemnation of the act of child marriage, triggered by reports of the alleged marriage of a 12-year-old girl to the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse on March 30 in Nungua.

In a statement issued by the Information Ministry on April 5, the government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Interior, and the Greater Accra Coordinating Council, expressed its commitment to investigating the matter and determining the appropriate course of action.

Read also: 12-year-old girl ‘married’ to Gborbu Wulomo under police protection

The statement noted that the Ministry of Gender has taken necessary steps to ensure the safety of the child involved.

“The child has been taken by the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to a place of safety. She is doing well and has been visited by the Minister Designate and other officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.

“The Social Welfare Department under the Gender Ministry has made available counseling and other resources including the provision of a medical doctor and two caregivers to ensure the wellbeing of the child. One case worker has been assigned to the case to, among other things, ensure that all protocols regarding the maximum protection of the child are strictly adhered to,” part of the statement read.

This comes after the priest Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, also known as Gborbu Wulomo, was seen performing the traditional marriage rights of Naa Okromo over the weekend.

Following widespread criticism, the traditional council denied claims and insisted that the ceremony was a betrothal.

Read also: Child marriage: Chieftaincy Ministry probing 63-year-old Ga priest who married 12-year-old girl

The statement further said that the Ghana Police Service had obtained a statement from the Gborbu Wulomo in the presence of his legal representative.

It said the child's parents are also cooperating with the investigation by providing essential information.

The statement highlighted that the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has engaged in extensive discussions with the traditional authorities of Nungua to ensure that the child's best interests are prioritized throughout the process.

Finally, the government affirmed its full support to the Ghana Police Service and all other stakeholders involved in the investigation of the alleged child marriage.