The Attorney-General's Office of Ghana has directed the release of 15-year-old Naa Okromo to her family on April 18, following a contentious ceremony involving the girl and a 63-year-old local spiritual leader in Nungua, Greater Accra. The release comes after her parents signed a bond to adhere to child protection laws while she remains under their care.
Madam Dakoa Newman, the Minister Designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection, during an emergency press briefing in Accra, clarified that investigations confirmed the girl's age as 15 and emphasized her well-being was prioritized with proper counselling and medical assessments confirming her health and virginity.
The situation garnered significant attention after a viral video on March 30 depicted a marriage ceremony between Naa Okromo and Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, sparking widespread public outcry over potential child rights violations. However, subsequent probes by government agencies have refuted these claims, stating the event was a cultural ritual intended to elevate Naa Okromo to Queen Mother status, not a marriage.
Mr. Alfred Tua-Yeboah, Deputy Attorney General, noted that the Attorney-General's Office is thoroughly reviewing the case to determine the nature of the ceremony and whether any legal action is warranted. Meanwhile, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, admitted that some of Ghana's customs might need revisiting to ensure they align with modern laws and child protection standards.