The marriage between a 63-year-old priest and a 12-year-old girl has sparked outrage. The marriage ceremony took place on Saturday, March 30, in Nungua, Ghana, as the man, known as Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, tied the knot with the child, reportedly called Naa Okromo.

A guest, who endorsed the marriage, said the marriage came about due to a longstanding custom mandating that the priest marry a virgin. He revealed that there are currently no virgin girls in Nungua above the age of nine.

The holyman selected her when she was just six years old and Ghanian title Pulse reported that the girl is now expected to participate in a second customary ceremony focused on purification.

“This ritual is thought to empower her to carry out her anticipated responsibilities as a wife to Gborbu Wulomo, which includes bearing children,” the title added.

The shrine Gborbu Wulomo at Nungua in the Greater Accra region defended the marriage, saying: “She is still in school, she does not live with the Gborbu Wulomo. We started the traditional marriage of Naa Yomo Ayemuade (12-year-old) to ward off other men. When she matures, we will have our final rites.”

Star FM in Ghana reported that the ceremony was allegedly necessary “to ensure no man sexually stains her.” A spokesperson for the temple Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II explained the historical and spiritual relevance of the marriage.