Gborbu marriage: It's time to end 'outdated' customs 'harmful' to girls' future, education - Jana Foundation
![](https://cdn.classfmonline.com/cfoZ41e/imagelib/thumbs/42329190.jpg)
The Jana Foundation has "strongly" condemned the marriage of a 15-year-old girl to a 63-year-old traditional priest in Nungua, Greater Accra Region.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, the Gborbu Wulomo, faced widespread backlash after a video of his customary marriage to Naa Okromo, who was first reported to be 12 years old but later had her age corrected twice -- first as 13 and later as 15 -- surfaced online.
The teenager, according to the Gborbu Temple and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, will turn 16 in July this year.
The traditional marriage, which drew a crowd, took place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua.
Despite widespread criticism, the temple defended the event as purely ceremonial and insisted the girl, a virgin, had been chosen by the gods to perform critical customary rites central to GaDangme customs.
The temple said Naa Okromo will play no conjugal role in the customary marriage.
However, the Jana Foundation, the latest join the add its voice to the avalanche of criticism, said in a statement signed by Mrs Adam Lamisi, the Programme Officer, that: "This disturbing practice not only violates the rights of the girl child but also perpetuates harmful traditional beliefs that undermine gender equality and human rights".
The foundation added: "It is unacceptable for a young girl to be married off at such a young age instead of being allowed to live a normal childhood life and pursue her education."
In the Foundation's view, "The government and the Ministry of Gender must intervene immediately to rescue the girl from this abusive situation and hold those responsible
for this act accountable."
"It is time to discard these outdated and harmful traditions that continue to harm the future of girls in Ghana," Jana Foundation emphasises, adding: "We urge all stakeholders to work together to put an end to such practices and ensure that every
child, regardless of gender, is protected and given the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential."
The Jana Foundation said it stands in solidarity with the young girl and will continue to advocate her rights and the rights of all girls in Ghana.
Source: Classfmonline.com
Trending News
Why apologise on my behalf when I didn’t disrespect Speaker? – Kwaku Afriyie to Annoh-Dompreh
09:08Election 2024: NDC launches campaign today
02:59A/R: Verify social media info before broadcasting or publishing it – NMC chair to journalists
11:19GA/R: Napo visits Paramount Chief of Ada ahead of 2024 Asafotufiami festival
13:31Ablakwa petitions OSP to probe $34.9m ambulance spare parts scandal
08:39Elections 2024: A Muslim Cleric condemns hate speech
19:12Only 10 female MPs present as parliament decides Affirmative Action Bill
11:30C/R: Man busted at Buduburan for attempting to sell niece to secure Canadian visa
06:04W/R: Dormitory fire devastates Ahantaman Girls’ SHS
08:25Election 2020 should've gone to a second round - Elvis Afriyie Ankrah
16:09