Marriage Etiquette

In Ghana, marriage is constructed according to the custom of the ethnic group in which the couple lives. Usually, this includes a religious ceremony and a civic registration ceremony commonly known as a wedding. Generally, marriage in Ghana is recognized as a union between a man and a woman with the knowledge of both families of the bride and the groom. In the Volta region of Ghana area, marriage is a union between a man and a woman who agree to live together as husband and wife and have gone through all procedures recognized in society for such a purpose.

In Ghana, the purpose of marriage is to provide companionship for the couple, the means to offer support for each other, and a legitimate avenue for sexual satisfaction and reproduction. Marriage is usually a group affair that involves not only the immediate relatives of the couple but more distant kin folk.

However, in selecting and accepting a potential spouse, certain important conditions have to be met. Members of each family are screened for incurable or contagious diseases, criminal backgrounds, violent behavior, respectfulness, employment status or standard of living, and religious background.

Generally, many Ghanaians prefer a spouse who is hardworking and respectful, peaceful (not violent or do not advocate violence), and of the same or compatible religious background. Christians and Mulisms do not generally intermary. However, conversions from one religion to another is preferable prior to marriage.