Alleged child marriage: Naa Okromo to be released to parents today – Gender Minister
Naa Okromo Ayemuede, the 15-year-old girl who is alleged to have been married to the 63-year-old Ga priest, Gborbu Wulomo in Nungua, will be released to her parents today, April 18, 2028, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Darkoa Newman has announced.
This, will however, be after her parents have signed a bond.
The Ghana Police Service in an official statement released on Facebook on Tuesday, April 2, the police disclosed that both Naa Okromo Ayemuede and her mother have been located and placed under protection.
The press release emphasised that swift action has been taken to ensure the safety and security of the young girl and her mother.
Furthermore, the Ghana Police Service stated that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, as well as the Department of Social Welfare, measures have been initiated to offer the necessary support and assistance to the girl “while the matter is being investigated.”
At a press conference on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Minister revealed that the decision to release the girl to her parents was based on an advise from the Attorney General’s Department.
“The Social Welfare Department under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has taken the child through counselling. The required medical assessments have been undertaken, the counsellors and caregivers have had conversation with the child and relatives about her education, her health and future prospects. So we will like you to know that from the medical assessment on the child it indicates that she is not pregnant, and she has no immediate health concerns.
“Naa Okromo’s date of death from records at her creche and the primary schools she attended indicates that she is 15 years old, born on 18th July 2008. The child will continue to pursue her education, and the Attorney General has issued an interim report date Thursday, 18th April and has advised that in the best interest of the child and in accordance with Section 2 and 5 of the Children’s Act, the Child be released to the parents pending their complete review of the docket. The child will be released today 18th April 2024 after the parents have signed a bond.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, known as the Gborbu Wulomo, received widespread criticism after a video surfaced online showing his marriage to the 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo.
The traditional marriage ceremony took place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua, sparking outrage and debate.
Defending his actions, Gborbu Wulomo clarified that the union was intended as a betrothal, emphasizing that the young girl would not be required to fulfill any marital obligations.
