The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has clarified that the video that went viral on social media regarding the alleged marriage ceremony that took place at Nungua was a traditional rite and not a marriage ceremony.
The Saturday March 30, 2024 ceremony has created a lot of controversy with many calling for the arrest of the Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, for marrying a minor against the laws of the land.
But the Minister who has engaged the stakeholders involved in the brouhaha has said that “during the event a lot of things were said and the information came out as if they were marrying the girl to the Wulomo.”
He said the engagement that ensued between him and the traditional authorities of Nungua also included the Ga priest and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
“Through these discussions, it became evident that there were no intentions of carnal relations with the young girl,” he said Sunday, April 07, 2024 on Accra-based JoyNews.
The Minister also disclosed that the young girl at the centre of the controversy has been relocated from the Nungua Community for her welfare.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng, amid the ongoing investigation into the matter, has pledged to work tirelessly with the law enforcement agencies and local communities to ensure justice and accountability prevail, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of minors in the country.
Following a preliminary investigation conducted by the Ministry, the Minister disclosed that the girl in question is not 12 years as reported earlier but will turn 16 in June this year.
Credit: 3news