You may have heard this quote since you started your journey to marriage, “Marriage is a journey that requires continuous effort, love, and understanding”. “Or maybe not”.

Marriage is a beautiful journey and as a Ghanaian, a few key marriage tips can be all you need to navigate the ups and downs.

To some, it may be scary, but to others, this is a reminder that despite facing numerous challenges, Ghanaian and African marriages based on mutual respect, open communication, and community support do thrive. 

Here are five key marriage tips for Ghanaians to help build and maintain a strong, loving, and lasting relationship.

1. Communicate With Love

Good communication is the foundation of any strong marriage. It’s essential to talk openly and honestly with your partner about your feelings, needs, and concerns. 

A couple may decide  to set aside time each evening to discuss their day and any issues they might be facing. This practice can help any couple, especially the Ghanaian couple, resolve conflicts early and strengthen their bond.

Practical Tips:.

• Practice active listening and empathy.
• Be honest but kind in your communication.

2. Respecting Each Other And Understanding Your Traditions

Respecting each other as a couple is vital for a successful marriage. It creates an environment where both partners feel valued and understood, which encourages communication and reduces conflicts. 

Mutual respect means appreciating each other’s perspectives, supporting individual growth, and acknowledging contributions. 

This strengthens the bond between partners, promoting a lasting, harmonious, and fulfilling relationship.

With traditions, an example would be the Akan people emphasize matrilineal inheritance and strong family bonds, while the Ewe and northerners practice patrilineal inheritance. Respecting these differences will bring peace and understanding to your marriage.

Another key marriage tip you will not want to forget is that for a Ghanaian and the Ghanaian community, traditional ceremonies, such as the knocking ceremony (introduction), engagement, and marriage rites, hold great significance. 

Participating in and respecting these traditions shows your commitment and honor towards your partner’s heritage.

Ghanaian culture places a high value on virtues such as humility, kindness, and hospitality. Embracing these values in your marriage can create a nurturing and supportive environment.

3. Intentionally Keep The Romance Alive!

Maintaining romance in your marriage is vital for keeping the spark alive. Simple gestures like surprise date nights, love notes, or even cooking a favorite meal can make a big difference. 

Planning surprise date nights can include visits to local attractions or cultural events. 

In Cape Coast, couples might enjoy an evening stroll along the historical forts and castles, or a quiet dinner at a beachfront restaurant. 

In Accra and Kumasi, you have the option of movie dates, a stroll at the various shopping malls, a variety of restaurants to choose from, and lots of fun games that could increase bonding.

Handwritten love notes are timeless. Adding a touch of the local language, such as Twi, Akuapem, Ewe,Ga, Dagaare etc. can make the gesture even more personal and meaningful.

Expressing love through traditional proverbs or folk tales can also add a unique and culturally significant dimension to your messages.

Preparing traditional Ghanaian dishes, like jollof rice, banku with tilapia, waakye, or maybe our regular noodles, or fried yam with gizzard , (you might prefer fish/ sausages), can be a heartfelt way to show love. Cooking together can be an intimate and bonding experience.

Regularly planning romantic getaways. Ghana offers numerous beautiful destinations for such retreats. Whether it’s a weekend at a luxury resort in the Volta Region, an eco-lodge in the Ashanti Region, or a serene beach resort in Ada, these getaways provide an escape from daily routines and an opportunity to reconnect.

Exploring Ghana’s natural beauty, such as hiking in Kakum National Park or visiting the Wli Waterfalls, can create memorable experiences and strengthen the bond between partners.

4. Embrace Sharing Responsibilities.

Sharing household duties and responsibilities is essential for a balanced and happy marriage. It helps to prevent burnout and ensures that both partners feel valued and supported. Finding a balance in shared responsibilities can greatly contribute to the harmony of a home.

A key tip to note as a Ghanaian getting married is that, Traditionally, specific household roles might be assigned based on gender, with women often taking care of domestic tasks and men handling external responsibilities. 

Modern Ghanaian couples are however  increasingly embracing a more balanced approach.

In many Ghanaian households, extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, often live together or nearby. Involving them in household responsibilities can lighten the load for the couple.

With many Ghanaian couples working demanding jobs, balancing work and home life is essential. Creating a schedule that accommodates both partners’ work commitments and household duties can prevent burnout.

5. Parenting And Child Care 

Shared parenting responsibilities are very important for a harmonious home. Both parents being actively involved in their children’s upbringing ensures that the children receive balanced care and attention.

A very good example will be both of you taking turns in helping the children with homework, attending school meetings, and participating in extracurricular activities.

Ghanaian children often participate in various extracurricular activities, such as sports, cultural dance, or music lessons. Both parents participating in these activities show support and encouragement and strengthen your bond as partners and a family at large.

Shared parenting in daily routines, such as waking up the children, preparing meals, and bedtime rituals, ensures consistency and stability. Both parents being involved in setting and enforcing household rules provides a balanced approach to discipline.

Conclusion

Marriage is a beautiful journey that thrives on dedication, love, and mutual respect. By embracing open communication, respecting each other’s traditions, keeping the romance alive, sharing responsibilities, and actively participating in parenting, as key marriage tips given above, Ghanaian couples can build strong and lasting relationships.

Remember, your wedding day is just the beginning of this wonderful journey. At Weddors, we understand the importance of making your special day memorable. 

We offer a range of services and vendors to help brides and grooms-to-be plan the perfect celebration. From finding the best venues and caterers to securing talented photographers and musicians, we’ve got you covered. 

Let Weddors be your trusted partner in creating a wedding day filled with joy, love, and unforgettable memories. Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding? 

Visit our website for more information and enquiries. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and harmony!