The marriage ceremony took place on Saturday, March 30, in Nungua, Ghana, as the man, known as Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, tied the knot with the child, reportedly called Naa Okromo
A 63-year-old priest has sparked outrage by marrying a 12 year old girl – who he shockingly chose as his bride when she was aged just six.
The man, known as Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, married the young girl, reportedly named Naa Okromo, with the wedding taking place on Saturday, March 30, in Nungua, Ghana. Local leaders defended the shocking practice and insisted it was a tradition to “ward off other men” and the husband will have to wait until she “reaches the legal age of marriage and childbirth”.
One guest at the wedding said the marriage happened because of an old custom that says the priest must marry a virgin. He also said there are no girls older than nine in Nungua who are still virgins.
The priest picked the girl when she was only six-years-old. Now, Ghanian title Pulses reports he is expected to take part in another ceremony focused on purification. This ritual is believed to give her the power to do her duties as Gborbu Wulomo’s wife, which includes having children. “This ritual is thought to empower her to carry out her anticipated responsibilities as a wife to Gborbu Wulomo, which includes bearing children,” Pulse added.
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The shrine Gborbu Wulomo at Nungua in the Greater Accra region defended the marriage. They said: “She is still in school, she does not live with the Gborbu Wulomo. We started the traditional marriage of Naa Yomo Ayemuade (12-year-old) to ward off other men. When she matures, we will have our final rites.”
Star FM in Ghana reported that the ceremony was needed “to ensure no man sexually stains her,” as reported by the Daily Star.
A representative for the temple, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, explained the historical and spiritual importance of the marriage. They said: “Naa Yomo Ayemuade is a reincarnated woman who lived over 300 years ago and has returned to ensure that the sacred rituals of one of the deities which have not been performed for years can be done”.
The priest “will have to wait until she is mature or she reaches the legal age of marriage and childbirth” to have sexual relations with his new wife, according to Star FM.
In other, news, a woman has been branded “black widow” after dumping her 62-year-old boyfriend to marry another bloke, 36 years her elder.
Model Willow says she is a “happy wife with a happy life” after finding love with 60-year-old partner Rob. The 24-year-old moved in with her new beau just three hours into their first date, after she was “bored in a hotel room” and decided to message him. They initially matched on Tinder four years ago but their romance was put on pause as Willow began dating another man.
