By Esther Mateyko Kumah, GNA
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – Rising marriage costs and changing economic conditions have sparked debate among some Ghanaians over whether women should share financial responsibility for marriage expenses.
While some respondents said customary practices placed obligations such as bride price and traditional marriage rites on men and their families, others argued that economic pressures required couples to contribute jointly.
The Ghana News Agency gathered the views in interviews with members of the public as discussions continue over the changing financial demands associated with marriage in Ghana.
Marriage remains a significant social institution in Ghana, with customary rites often involving payments and obligations traditionally undertaken by the groom and his family. However, increased living costs and evolving household arrangements have led some people to question whether financial responsibilities should continue to follow traditional lines.
Mr Adams Hamzami, a trader, said women should not be expected to contribute to bride price because customary practices required men to fulfil traditional marriage obligations.
“Bride price is part of the man’s responsibility, and Ghanaian customs have always recognised that,” he said.
Madam Erica Mensah, a resident of Haatso, said women contributing financially to customary marriage rites could create difficulties in the future if disagreements occurred between couples.
Mr Stephen Asamoah, a teacher, said dowry represented the man’s role in formally seeking a woman from her family and should therefore remain the groom’s responsibility.
He, however, said women could support other aspects of wedding arrangements.
Ms Patience Amponsah, a civil servant, said customary marriage obligations should remain the man’s responsibility, but women could contribute ideas and financial support towards the celebration.
Others said marriage should be viewed as a partnership in which couples contribute based on their financial circumstances.
Mr Michael Tano, a cleaner, said women already contributed in several ways during marriage preparations, including supporting relatives travelling from distant locations and assisting with other expenses.
Ms Sylvia Owusu, a waakye vendor, supported women contributing towards marriage expenses, saying shared financial responsibility could promote mutual respect between couples.
She said such arrangements could also reduce situations where some men felt entitled to dominate because they had paid the entire cost of the marriage.
Ms Samira Salif Maham, a teacher, said decisions on financial contributions should depend on the circumstances of individual couples.
She said although tradition expected men to shoulder marriage expenses, women could provide support where their partners faced financial difficulties.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
6 Aug. 2026