By Bright Appiah, the Executive Director of Child Rights International, has disclosed that the girl at the center of the child marriage controversy is 15 years old, contrary to the Nungua Traditional Council’s previous claim of her being 16.
Following the emergence of a video depicting the marriage between the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, and the minor, Naa Okromo, significant public backlash has been directed towards him.
The traditional ceremony occurred on March 30, 2024, and has sparked widespread outrage across Ghana.
Amidst calls for the arrest of Gborbu Wulomo, he contends that the girl will not be obligated to fulfill marital duties until she reaches the age of 18.
In contrast, the Nungua Traditional Council had previously asserted that the girl, Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, was 16 years old, contradicting the initial report that she was 12 years old.
Meanwhile, Mr. Appiah, during an interview on the Big Issue with Selorm Adonoo on Saturday, April 6, disclosed that his investigation confirmed the child to be 15 years old, yet to reach the age of 16.
He said, “The issue of age also came in. Initially, we heard 12 years, at a point we heard 16 and per the investigation we’ve done so far, the girl is 15 years old, yet to attain the age of 16 years. Clearly, let’s assume she’s 16, there are certain things she cannot do.”
Mr. Appiah assured that significant efforts are being made to ensure the welfare of the child, with psychologists, case managers, and caregivers all working together to support her.
“When it comes to the welfare of the child, I can say a lot has gone into it. I can also confirm that she’s doing well and a lot of psychologists are working on her, case managers are also taking care of her and caregivers are also doing what they are supposed to do.”
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