Ghana Police Protects 12-Year-Old Girl Married To 63-Year-Old Priest

The Ghana Police Force has released a statement that a 12-year-old Ghanaian girl and her mother are currently under police protection after the girl was married off to a 63-year-old traditional priest.

Many Ghanaians were incensed after seeing images and videos of the girl and the priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, during their traditional wedding ceremony last Saturday.

While some urged the government and police to intervene, local leaders said the detractors were ignorant of their traditions.

The police explained in their social media post, “The Ghana Police Service is working with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare to provide her with the necessary support while the matter is being investigated.”

Although child marriage is prohibited in Ghana, it is still widespread, according to the international NGO Girls Not Brides.

According to their report, 5% of girls get married before turning fifteen and 19% of females get married before turning eighteen.

ALSO, READ: Meet The Burkina Faso Doctor On The Frontlines Fighting Jihadists