In Ghana, the bride price is a cultural constant that is considered essential for a wedding ceremony. However, research shows that it can also lead to sexual violence among women. The bride price is the only ritual that completes a Ghanaian wedding ceremony by itself, and a man may skip all the traditions and customs. This practice has both social and psychological implications for the men who pay and those women for whom it is paid.
In Ghana, the Ashanti Regional Council of Ulamau and Zongo chiefs have announced increases in the bride price of marriages, with a minimum of GHS 600.00 required for a groom to pay. Bride price, bride-dowry, bride-wealth, bride service, or bride token, is money, property, or other form of wealth paid by a groom or his family to the woman or the family of the woman he will be married to or is just about to marry. Before Ghana was colonized by the British in 1867, bride price did not involve cash as cash had not yet been introduced into the Ghanaian economy.
The contents of the bride price or dowry depend on the tribe and community, and can include items such as bottles of schnapps, ornaments, clothes, and cowries for the bride’s mother, father, and brothers. Currently, any couple with intention to marry would require an amount of GH¢7,974.00 per the time value of money calculations.
In conclusion, the bride price in Ghana has both social and psychological implications for both men who pay and those women for whom it is paid.
📹 Gia and I Chat About The Bride Price In Ghana 🇬🇭
What are the values of marriage in Ghana?
In Ghana, marriage is for life, and divorce is rare. Couples are expected to work through problems and stay together. However, more people are getting divorced in Ghana, especially in cities where Western ideas and ways of living are more common. While Ghanaian marriage customs differ from those in other countries, the underlying message is the same: love, commitment, and dedication. If you’re getting married, call La Casa at 233205401018 to help you prepare!
How much does the bride pay for wedding?
The bride. If you follow tradition, the bride pays for the groom’s wedding band and wedding gifts for her bridesmaids. However, many wedding costs are shared between the bride and her family. In today’s world, who pays for what at a wedding is unclear. There is no official rule about how the wedding budget is split, but this wasn’t always the case. In the past, the bride’s family paid most of the costs, but this is no longer common. Couples are getting married later in life, so they often have established careers and can pay for some—if not all—of the celebration. Also, the traditional division doesn’t represent all couples today and doesn’t include LGBTQIA couples. The most common scenario is one of three: Couples can ask their families to split the bill, contribute money to the event, or pay for it themselves. When you’re ready to plan, first decide how much your wedding will cost and how much your family will contribute. Building a wedding budget is hard, but it’s also important. Alicia Fritz, the owner of A Day in May Events, says that taking the time to do it early on can help. Budget talks should start at the same time as guest lists and venue talks. Set a budget, she advises. Don’t try to save money on things you know you’ll spend more on later. Alicia Fritz is the owner of A Day in May Events, a wedding and event planning firm based in Traverse City, Michigan.
Does a woman keep her dowry?
If you or your husband or in-laws received a dowry, it is yours. You have a right to any property given as dowry to your husband and his family. The person who receives the dowry must give it to the bride. If you don’t, you could go to jail for up to two years and/or be fined up to Rs. 10,000.
What happens when people get married in Ghana?
At the wedding, the couple promises to love each other forever. They exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment. Guests will enjoy dancing and food from Ghana. After the wedding, the couple will often have a Western-style reception or a White Wedding, where they will celebrate with their friends and family. This reception is usually with music, dancing, and more food and drinks. In Ghanaian culture, marriage is a lifelong commitment. Divorce is rare. Couples are expected to work through problems and stay together. However, more people are getting divorced in Ghana, especially in cities where Western ideas and ways of life are more common.
Who pays for the wedding in Ghana?
5. Wedding/engagement party: The bride’s family. We can’t throw everything away. Some things will always be important. This is one of them. The bride pays for everything, including the ceremony, decorations, catering, entertainment, engagement gifts, and wedding favors. If many people are having only the traditional wedding, the couple can split the costs of organizing it. The wedding favors are still paid for by the bride.
6. White wedding. The couple usually pays for the white wedding. If you get married in the church, there’s little cost and the couple pays. If you plan a destination wedding, your parents may help pay.
7. Accommodation and transportation. Some guests and family members will have to travel to attend the wedding. The bride and groom’s families pay for this. People often provide their own accommodation as a gift to the couple. However, the bride is responsible for transportation for the couple and wedding party.
What is the difference between a dowry and a bride price in Ghana?
Bride price and dowry are payments made at the time of marriage in many cultures, especially in Asia and Africa. The groom or his family pay the bride price to the bride’s family. The bride’s family pays the dowry to the bride or the couple. Bride price and dowry are not the same. In the 20th century, dowry payments in South Asia were often demanded by the groom’s family. This shows that the term “dowry” is used to mean “groom price,” the opposite of “bride price.” Bride price and dowry can happen at the same time. A complex set of rules may then decide how much and what kind of payments are made in either direction.
PREVALENCE Bride price is more common than dowry. Only 3% of cultures in Murdock’s Ethnographic Atlas practice dowries, while 66% follow bride price norms. Dowries were common in the Near East, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, and some parts of the Americas. In the West, the custom of dowry payment has disappeared, but it remains common in South Asia. Bride prices were common in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In South Asia in the early 20th century, both dowry and bride price were common. In the second half of the century, dowry amounts increased. Many areas switched from bride price to dowry.
Who takes the dowry in Ghana?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking the dowry and bride price are the same. Each has a different purpose, but both improve the success of the marriage. The groom paid the bride price to the bride’s parents, while the woman brought her dowry into the marriage through her parents.
What are the three types of marriage in Ghana?
What is marriage? Ghanaian law recognizes three types of valid marriage: customary, marriage under the Marriage Ordinance, and Islamic marriage under the Marriage of Mohammedans Ordinance. What is a customary marriage? Ghana’s most common form of marriage is customary.
How many wives can a man marry in Ghana?
Four Islamic marriages in Ghana are polygamous. A man can have up to four wives. A woman can’t have more than one husband at a time.
What is bride wealth in Ghana?
In most Ghanaian marriages, the bride’s family gives money to the groom’s family. This study looks at how these traditions harm girls, using the Bongo District in Ghana as an example. The study included 40 people selected for the case study.
How much does it cost to marry in Ghana?
From Eric’s Diary: The cost of marriage in GH today is 25,610 GH¢. This includes fees, clothes, décor, music, and catering.
📹 THE GHANAIAN TRADITIONAL WEDDING | Marriage List, Bride Price, Customs & Traditions | Ghana Weddings
Have you ever wondered what exactly happens at a Ghanaian Traditional Wedding? What is in the marriage list? What customs …
A money centric marriage is built upon a weak foundation. Forcing one-size-fits-all adds to the weakness. If a man and woman are serious about marriage, talk over several weeks or months works things through. It’s undesirable to cripple a marraige through intentionally going in debt for 6 or 7 hours of bling. The solution is to slowly work it out balancing give and take. Whichever path is decided, the man will be at the edge of his comfort level regarding spending. In his head he believes he has gone above and beyond, if the bride holds his desire to think longterm this marraige may not be the way to go. Hold out for a man with alot of money, you may not get a good man, but you’ll always have money.
I’m a Jamaican-American, and my Fante husband and I already had our court wedding. We planned to return to Ghana for our traditional wedding, but the pandemic caused us to delay it. Now, we are ready to start planning, so your article was beneficial as I need to familiarize myself with all the customs and traditions. Knowing that the Fante people are part of the Akans, could I follow this same format? I’ll chat with my husband’s mom and sister, but it would be great to hear from you. I’ve shared your articles with my Jamaican family so they can understand what will take place. Thanks again!
Excellent presentation. I have learned so much. It is amazing to know that cultures do share many beliefs. More likenesses than differences. I look forward to witnessing the ceremony. Congratulations to the bride and groom. It is my sincere prayer and wish that they will have a long lasting marriage together, enhanced by the true love of their families. Dr. Pauline Wright (Ashley’s Aunt)
So informative. I love the symbolisms. I love the symbolism of the Etor. I didn’t know that. I am not going to expose myself on these streets and tell you I know how the Ewes do it. 😃😃 But it’s similar. I have a funny and unique story about my dad and my list. He has put a value of at least £10 trillion pounds sterling on my bride price and my partner is reminded every time of the balance.😂😂
Wow, I didn’t know about the etor, I just thought it was a special meal on birthdays. I find my routes with both the Ga tribe and the Ewe tribe. I will say there’s not much difference. What I have noticed is that, the elderly men in the Lady’s family do not mix with the gathering. After the dowry and engagement items are presented to the woman’s family, the okyeame together with the elderly women present the items to the elderly men in private I.e. away from the gathering. It is at this point where she gives her consent. Also souvenirs are given as a sign of appreciation to the guest for sharing in their joy and honouring their invitation.