A GNA Feature by Laudia Sawer
Manya-Kpongunor (E/R), March 26, GNA – Traditional marriage in Ghana, like in many parts of Africa, is a significant rite of passage that forms an integral part of the culture of every tribe in the country.
Its importance cannot be overstated, as it is more than just a union between two individuals in love. Traditional marriage is a bond between families, a reflection of cultural heritage, and a symbol of societal values. Rooted in customs passed down through generations, these marriages may vary among ethnic groups, but they share common themes of family involvement, respect, and the acknowledgement of ancestral blessings.
Among the various ethnic groups in Ghana, the Krobo people have a unique and elaborate marriage tradition that reflects their deep-rooted customs. This sacred institution continues to play a vital role in Kroboland, reinforcing identity and strengthening community ties.
The Krobo Marriage Ceremony
The marriage process among the Krobo people begins with an introduction, followed by the groom’s family obtaining a marriage list from the bride’s family.
Although the list may have slight variations depending on the clan, some key items remain constant. These include Agbosimi (knocking ceremony), Wemi Semi (house entering), Ngami Da (greetings drink), Hesijemi (formal introduction), Yosibimi (asking for the bride’s hand in marriage), Yobami (initial request), Yo Sͻlemi (acceptance), Yosipambue (bridal cloth), Nganyԑ Semi Fɔmi (greeting of the mother-in-law), and Ngatsԑ (items for the father-in-law: cloth, cutlass, umbrella, native sandals, and tobacco). Many of these items are accompanied by gin and monetary gifts.
Pre-Marriage Rituals
According to Madam Mercy Mateko Tetteh, the Yomuͻ (elderly woman) of the Sawer-Wayo Wem Clan in Manya-Kpongunor, the groom’s family presents a bottle of
schnapps on the eve of the scheduled marriage date to confirm that the ceremony will take place as agreed.
During this visit, the groom’s family also sends a woman to stay with the bride overnight. This practice, she explained, originated because, in the past, some brides would flee before the marriage ceremony. In some cases, the bride’s family would even hide her from the groom, claiming she was missing.
The Traditional Wedding Day
On the wedding day, the groom’s family presents another bottle of gin to formally greet the bride’s family. The bride then comes out, dressed in a white kaba and slit, adorned with spectacular bead necklaces. The white attire symbolises victory.
After the formal greetings, she changes into another white outfit and sits with her family while the groom’s family presents the required marriage items. The bride then changes into a different-coloured outfit while her family cross-checks the items before announcing whether they meet the requirements.
Madam Tetteh explained that in Kroboland, it is customary for the bride’s family to hold a short meeting (ajina) before officially proceeding with the marriage. During this meeting, the bride’s mother is consulted for her opinion on the marriage.
Once they return, the bride formally introduces the groom to her family. The bride’s father then questions the groom about his intentions and occupation before approving the union.
The bride must then change into another outfit before presenting the marriage gifts to her father. He will ask her three times whether the gifts should be accepted, and she is required to respond “yes” each time before the ceremony can continue.
An official announcement is then made to the groom’s family, confirming that the bride’s family has accepted the marriage. At this point, the groom’s family sends a representative to fetch the bride. However, they must first offer money to the bride’s maids before she is handed over.
Role of the Linguist
The linguist, who is typically a man, plays an essential role in the ceremony. Both families rely on their respective linguists to lead the traditional rites; families who do not have linguists can hire the services of some from other families. The linguist from the bride’s family formally hands her over to the groom’s linguist after the ceremony for him to then present to his husband.
She is then required to sit beside him as a symbolic gesture of her transition into his family.
Final Rite – The Fia Performance
After the marriage rites are completed, a final ceremony known as “Fia” is performed to signify the successful completion of the marriage. This can take place on the same day or the following morning.
The Fia ceremony is performed by the Dede (first daughters) from both families who are already married. Before performing the rites in a private room, the bride’s Dede sits at the entrance inside, while the groom’s Dede sits outside. Both pour gin at the entrance, and the groom’s Dede then knocks and enters to conduct the sacred rites.
Afterward, the two Dedes go around the compound three times, greeting both families and announcing the official conclusion of the marriage ceremony.
Finally, the bride and groom are presented once more to their families. The groom then offers gifts to his wife, followed by additional gifts from both families.
Conclusion
Traditional marriage among the Krobo people remains a deeply cherished cultural practice, reinforcing family bonds, social values, and ancestral heritage. Despite modern influences, many Krobo families continue to uphold these customs, ensuring that their rich traditions are passed on to future generations.
GNA
LS/BM