Customary marriage 

The customary marriage is our very own traditional ceremonies, which are actually legal and binding once certain criteria have been met.

Customary marriage is recognised under the Customary Marriage and Divorce Registration Law, 1985 (PNDCL 112). It varies from ethnic group to ethnic group in the country, each group with their requirements, practices and customs, although certain practices, such as the payment of bride price or the ‘knocking’, run through.

The customary marriage can be polygamous (more specifically polyandrous), meaning one man can register as many customary marriages as he can, and it would be legal. The woman, however, can only be married to one husband.

It is important to note that a couple can just perform the customary rites and they would be married, legally, under the laws of Ghana – too many people believe they must do a white wedding or they aren’t properly married.