The priest married the girl in a grand ceremony on Saturday.
A 63-year-old pastor in Ghana is facing backlash for marrying a 12-year-old girl, insisting the marriage had nothing to do with sex. The priest’s spokesman said the girl was expected to help the priest with his “spiritual duties.” Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, the spiritual leader of the Nuumwa district of the capital, Aklanugu, married the unidentified child in a lavish ceremony on Saturday. Known as “Gborbu Wulomo” (traditional high priest), Mr Tsuru holds important spiritual authority in the Nungua Aboriginal community.
Following widespread controversy, the girl and her mother were reportedly placed under police protection and Ghana’s Attorney General launched an investigation. South China Morning Post (SCMP).
“These allegations, if proven, would constitute a criminal offense and all those involved must face prosecution,” the outlet quoted a statement from the Attorney General’s Office as saying.
Under Ghanaian law, the legal minimum age for marriage is 18 years.
But the priest’s spokesman defended his actions, saying the girl would not have fulfilled her marital obligations until she reached the legal age of consent, which is 16 in Ghana.
Spokesman Mankralo Shwonotalor said: “This is not a wedding. It has nothing to do with sex. The priest already has three traditional wives. This is a traditional role that helps the priest fulfill his spiritual duties.” South China Morning Post Report.
Wedding scene pictures widely circulated on social media. Dozens of community members reportedly attended the event.according to British Broadcasting Corporationwomen participating in the ceremony tell girls to prepare themselves for their wifely duties and to use perfume to enhance their attractiveness to their husbands.
The women also suggested that she dress in a skimpy way for her husband, the outlet reported.
The photos sparked an outcry from many Ghanaians, who pointed out that the practice was illegal. Critics also called on authorities to annul the marriage and investigate the priest.
