It is also considered difficult to track the child marriage rates due to an absence of birth certificates in some areas, as well as finding evidence to prove if a girl is underage, according to a UNICEF report.
The office of the priest in question has defended the marriage, saying that it was “ceremonial,” according to the BCC.
Police are now investigating the incident, with the government’s ministry of gender, children, and social protection and department of social welfare coordinating to provide support to the child, according to the BBC.
The priest in question holds the highly respected position as “Gborbu Wulomo,” also known as a traditional high priest in the Nungua community in Accra, according to the outlet.
Some of the duties of the high priest involve performing sacrifices on behalf of the community, praying for their protection, enforcing cultural practices and leading traditional rites.
