A 12-year-old girl has been placed under police protection in Ghana after it emerged she had been married to a 63-year-old traditional high priest
There was public outrage after footage of Saturday’s customary wedding was shared on social media.
The office of the influential priest, who serves an indigenous community in the capital, defended the marriage, saying it was only ceremonial.
The legal minimum age to get married in Ghana is 18.
Police say they have identified and tracked down the girl and she is now under their protection, along with her mother.
Contact had been made with the government’s children’s minister and the social welfare department to ensure the 12-year-old gets the necessary support while investigations continue, their statement added.
