Amidst the growing uproar over the marriage of a 12-year-old girl to a 63-year-old priest at the Gborbu Wulormo shrine in Nungua, the shrine has come forward to defend its actions.The controversy surrounding the marriage ceremony, which took place on March 20, has sparked outrage, with calls for the arrest of the traditional priest.

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According to the Gborbu Wulormo shrine, the marriage was conducted to protect the girl, Naa Yomo Ayemuade, from potential suitors. The shrine claims that she is still in school and does not reside with the Gborbu Wulormo, and the marriage was initiated to safeguard her until she reaches maturity.

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Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, a spokesperson for the temple, explained that Naa Yomo Ayemuade has a specific role to fulfil within the shrine that necessitates her being a virgin. Therefore, the public marriage ceremony was conducted to ensure that she remains chaste and is not approached by other men.He clarified that the choice of Naa Yomo Ayemuade as a bride was part of a spiritual exercise that began six years ago.

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She is believed to be a reincarnation of a woman who lived over 300 years ago and has returned to fulfil sacred rituals within the shrine.The temple spokesperson addressed the criticism surrounding the event, stating that Naa Yomo Ayemuade has been attending school and will continue her education until she is mature enough to make decisions about her relationships.

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He emphasised that no sexual relations would occur between Naa Yomo Ayemuade and the Gborbu Wulormo until a fourth ritual is performed or until she reaches the legal age of marriage and childbirth.Despite the shrine’s explanations, controversy persists, with many condemning the marriage as a violation of human rights.

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Critics argue that the emphasis on female virginity perpetuates harmful stereotypes about female sexuality, while others question the age gap between the girl and tWatch video below:

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