'We must appreciate the Ga traditions; if you don’t understand, we can’t help you' — Bernard Mornah

The Nungua Traditional Council has come under fire amid controversies surrounding a recent traditional marriage ceremony between 12-year-old Naa Yoomo Ayemuede and 64-year-old Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII.

Contrary to earlier reports, community leaders now claim the young girl is 16-years-old.

This follows widespread condemnation and calls for action against what many described as offensive culture and tradition.

In reaction to criticism, community leaders have defended their actions, emphasising that it is a tradition outsiders may not fully understand.

During a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, a member of the Nungua Traditional Council, Wor Lumo Boni Nuumo Noi Osekan kpeneku clarified “The girl in question is actually 16 years old. We accept and agree that by the constitution of the land, she is underage. But she is not married as is being stated. That is not the issue.”

Rev Dr Daniel Nii Gyasi Ankrah Director of Administration, Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse also said, “We would like to emphasise that there is no carnal relationship or marriage involved as perceived by many. Naa Yoomo attends one of the best private schools in Nungua. She has a chauffeur that takes her to school and brings her home. She’s been attended to."

He continued, “As we have indicated for the past six years she has been performing this particular rite and for that matter, we have the elderly within the community that takes good care of her. She has no friends because she accepts and understands that the task that is ahead for her to perform does not permit her to have a normal child upbringing. It is part of being a royal.”

Reacting to this on TV3’s ‘New Day’ show, Bernard Mornah, convener of AriseGhana and former National Chairman of the People's National Convention (PNC), emphasised the importance of blending tradition with the law.

He expressed admiration for Ga traditions and urged understanding and appreciation for their customs.

“We must be able to blend our traditions and our law in such a way that there is no conflict. I am convinced that marrying to the deity has no legal responsibilities imposed on the lady. I love the Ga people and what they do. And I want to believe that it does not necessarily mean that he is going to be having sexual responsibilities with that person [the young girl], and for that one, we must appreciate it.

“If you don't understand our customs, for that one we cannot help you. But the Attorney General’s call is not out of place - let them do their investigations and at the end of the day, our customs will come into play,” he remarked.

Listen to him in the video below:

We should blend our traditions and our laws in such a way that there is no conflict. I believe marrying the deity has no conjugal responsibility imposed on the girl - Bernard Mornah on the alleged child marriage.#TV3NewDay pic.twitter.com/RYUAWith6g — #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) April 3, 2024