The GaDangme Council has clarified that the relationship between a traditional Ga priest and a 12-year-old girl is simply a betrothal and not a marriage.

Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, known as the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, faced backlash after a video surfaced online showing him participating in a marriage-like ceremony with the young girl, Naa Okromo.

The controversial event occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua, drawing widespread attention and criticism.

In his defense, Gborbu Wulomo explained that the ceremony did not entail the girl assuming marital responsibilities.

In response to the outcry, the GaDangme Council released a statement on Monday, April 1, signed by its President, Ayikoi Otoo, revealing that they had engaged with Gborbu Wulomo and his elders to address the issue.

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

"It is 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 has altered the legal implications.”

• Read also: Sempe Mantse peeved by marriage between 63-year-old Ga priest and minor

“We are inclined to side with the Gborbu Wulomo since the original reportage made the point that there was another ceremony that awaited the girl to purify and prepare her for procreation.”

The Council acknowledged that while betrothal might involve an underage individual, it does not sanction the initiation of a sexual relationship with such a child.

It added that such actions put her education in jeopardy and may even endanger her health during childbirth, as her body may not be adequately developed for pregnancy and delivery.

“She should continue her education until she reaches the legal age of marriage, and even marriage should not disrupt her education if she is still willing to continue.”

“The GaDangme Council also urges the parents of the child to keep an eye on her and let her understand that notwithstanding the betrothal demanded by custom, she is still a child and entitled to enjoy life and engage in youthful activities like all others of her age,” it added.