Two revered Queen Mothers in the Dafiama Bussie Issa district of the Upper West region are intensifying efforts to rescue 13-year-old Mary Kupere, who was allegedly lured into elopement by an adult man named Yaw and taken to Mampong in southern Ghana.Pognaa Bangtaabo Nagbanima, Queen Mother of Turori-Kani, and Dagapognaa Pogsaa Nagmanina, Queen Mother of Tuori both in the Dafiama Bussie Issa District are spearheading the campaign.
Following an initial report by Yiri News on the incident, the leaders filed a formal complaint with the Jirapa Municipal Police Command, where Yaw’s hometown fall within. Authorities then directed them to the Bussie Police Station, where the elopement occurred and where alleged accomplices Anastasia, Monica, and Grace reside.
Speaking exclusively to Yiri News, Pognaa Bangtaabo Nagbanima condemned the act, questioning why “an elderly man would choose to marry a minor who isn’t fully biologically developed or socially prepared for the role of a wife.” She vowed firmly: “Let me state this forcefully: We will not tolerate the marriage of any minor in our area.”
Dagapognaa Pogsaa Nagmanina echoed the sentiment, calling child marriage “inimical to the growth and development of every society.” She urged parents to prioritize education, adding: “As a people, we must ensure our girl child attends school or learns a vocation. This is the best way to empower her.”
The Tuori Electoral Area Assembly Member, Hon. Rosemary Puozaa, announced on her Meta page that several suspects have been arrested. Yiri News can confirm arrests have been made, with investigations ongoing at the Upper West regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
The victim Mary has been rescued and is also currently in the custody of DOVSU.
More updates soon on Yiri News.
