An influential traditional priest aged 63 has sparked an outrage in Ghana by marrying a 12-year-old girl.
The priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, married her in a customary ceremony held on Saturday.
In the face of criticism, community leaders have said people do not understand their customs and tradition.
The legal minimum age to get married in Ghana is 18 and the prevalence of child marriage has declined, but it continues to happen.
According to the global campaigning NGO Girls Not Brides, 19% of girls in the country are married before they reach 18 and 5% get married before their 15th birthday.
Videos and photos of Saturday’s elaborate event that was attended by dozens of community members have been widely shared on social media, triggering an outcry among many Ghanaians.
I think critics understand their traditions. They just don’t agree with them. The law of the land doesn’t agree with it.
So he is breaking the law. So jail then? No?
While it’s always good to be cognizant of cultural blinders, there comes a point where you can’t hide behind customs and tradition. There are certain non negotiables we don’t tolerate. Pedophilia is one of them.
This is the real aim of the White Supremacists movement IMO. First the pedophile joined the ranks of the Christians now the Nazis are coming for their seat at the table. The white supremacists values blend in with the Christians but not as much. If it is one thing the incel white supremacy community wants its young sex slaves. I’ve heard stories of when it used to happen. If you are a poc vote like your life depends on it, because it does.
He’s a religious leader, so he has power and influence. Just like most countries, the courts cater to the powerful.