By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – Some Ghanaians have called for greater sharing of financial and domestic responsibilities in marriage, saying changing economic conditions are reshaping expectations of spouses.
The respondents said dual-income households and increasing female participation in the workforce were prompting many couples to adopt more collaborative approaches to family life.
The views were expressed in separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency during discussions on evolving gender roles and shared responsibilities in marriage.
Madam Trudy Asamoah, an entrepreneur, said the traditional model in which men provided financially while women assumed primary responsibility for household chores was becoming less practical.
“Marriage today is different from the past. With time and education, and given that many men are asking for 50/50, finances and house chores should also be shared equally. If not, we can hire domestic help,” she added.
Mrs Grace Nelson, a newly married woman, said sharing responsibilities had strengthened her marriage.
“Marriage is partnership. We must both be ready to ease pressure on each other. Yesterday we did general cleaning and arrangement together. That’s how it’s supposed to be,” she said.
Others argued that discussions about shared responsibility should also recognise the physical demands placed on women.
Maame Yaa Boateng, a teacher, said pregnancy and childbirth represented significant contributions that should be acknowledged alongside financial support.
Referring to Ghana’s maternal mortality rate of 263 deaths per 100,000 live births, she said marriage should recognise both financial and physical contributions.
“Men providing for the family is commendable. However, it does not mean one person is making all the sacrifices. Women also risk their lives for their marriages and families,” she added.
Madam Mary Larbi, a trader, described marriage as a partnership built on mutual support rather than defined roles.
“You do not enter marriage to get a cook, a housekeeper, a provider, or a nanny. You enter it because you love someone and want to support each other,” she stated.
Some respondents also cited cultural attitudes as barriers to greater sharing of domestic responsibilities.
Mr James Tetteh, an entrepreneur, said some men were discouraged from helping with household chores because of social expectations.
“Some cultural norms are hindering progress. In certain communities, men who assist with domestic duties are ridiculed with comments that their wives have ‘turned them into mugu,’ causing some to withdraw from helping. Those communities have yet to embrace modern thinking on gender roles,” he stated.
Mr Yaw Kumi, a mechanical engineer, said financial support within marriage should flow both ways, adding that he had adopted household responsibilities despite not being raised to perform them.
“I don’t wait for my wife to come from work before preparing meals, and she also suppports financially,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
By Priscilla Oye Ofori