The department of marriage is in charge of wedding registration as well as divorces within Kumasi Metropolis. Kumasi Metropolis. The procedure for registering different types of marriages have been laid out in the public notice.
The process of marriage itself is different in different ethnic groups. Additionally, the kind of marriage ceremony performed by a couple is often contingent on a myriad of factors that include their socioeconomic standing (e.g. formal education, profession or profession, wealth, income, location of residency) as well as their religious, family and ethnic background. Ghanaian family law permits many different forms of marriage. All over the country, customary law weddings, consensual marriages, weddings governed by Islamic norms, and marriages made under the marriage ordinance (civil as well as church) are all considered legal. Of the four types of marriages, one is the marriage that follows traditional or customary law is the basis the majority of marriage contracts in the country.
3 Types Of Marriage In Ghana
Are you considering getting married in Ghana? Here are some suggestions to help you. There are Asathree legal marriage types in Ghana three types of marriage: the customary and The Islamic and Ordinance.
1. Wedding ceremonies in the traditional manner
This type of marriage is based on tradition and existed long before Marriage under Ordinance/White/Church weddings, which were introduced by western influence. The marriage ceremony requires both the families of both the couple. Certain rituals are specific to the specific cultures of the families of the couple, whereas others are universal to all kinds of cultures. In almost all cases the couple receives gifts and an dowry or wedding price is given for the wedding’s families. The representatives of both families need to be present at the time of the ceremony as well as the gifts and dowry should accept the wedding’s families. It is not unusual to have a wedding ceremony without the couple or any of the other parties due to different reasons. The couple is away or the customs do not permit it. However, both the wedding couple’s consent is required in order to conduct the traditional ceremony.
The customary marriage itself is not recognized as a legal marriage until it is legally registered in accordance with the Customary Marriage and Divorce Registration Law 1985 (PNDCL 112). This is accomplished by submitting a request to the marriage registry in the area that the couple lives in following the ceremony that took place.
It is not required to register a traditional marriage in the event of a plan to go in marriage according to the marriage ordinance, as it is covered directly by law. In certain cases couples can integrate Ordinance Marriages in the customary wedding ceremonies.
If, however, customary marriage is the only type of marriage that is being conducted the registration of your traditional marriage helps with legal matters like rights, visa applications, child support, alimony and/or child support payments such as medical proxy. It is vital to keep in mind it is a fact that the practice of polygamy (marrying more than one partner) is legal in marriages that are customary, and individuals are able to record multiple marriages in customary. Only marriages that are registered can receive any legal consideration.
Dissolution of marriages that are customary is generally according to the prescribed ritual of the society of the country in question. It may involve a return of gifts or drinks given to the family of the bride’s. The courts also have the power to give a divorce and generally within the limits of the rituals of the culture in question. The divorce notification must be submitted to the office of the registrar if the marriage was legally registered.
2. Islamic Marriage
Muslim/Islamic Marriages are performed in accordance with the rules of Islam. In this kind of wedding the only type of polygamy that is permitted is called polygyny (a man who marries multiple women, but no more than 4 women at a time). In order for this marriage to be legally recognized the marriage must also be acknowledged by the appropriate authorities, as stipulated in both Customary and Ordinance marriages.
To have an authentic Islamic marriage The following requirements must be made sure:
I. mutual agreement between both couples to get married,
ii. A Wali (a person who has the power or authority to guard an individual in this case the bridal couple) is in the presence of the bride to legally represent her bride,
iii. the dowry that is required to be paid to the family of the bride’s parents,
iv. Two witnesses are present at the ceremony.
V. the ceremony of marriage is conducted by an approved Islamic priest, like a marriage conducted by an official of the marriage.
vi. The marriage ceremony is recorded with the District Office with the Registrar of Mohammedan divorces and marriages within a week after the marriage ceremony.
The dissolution of Islamic marriages, as to be accepted, is conducted in accordance with the Islamic religion. The divorce has to be recorded within one month from the date of the divorce in order in order to be recognised by law. Regarding the period of time necessary for both the registration of divorce and marriage particular considerations can be requested by the High Court, and appropriate procedures are followed.
3. Wedding-rings Ordinance Marriage
A lot of people miss the white wedding ceremony in a church or for marriage under Ordinance. It is because certain churches have officiants with the right to conduct marriages legally. However, this is not always the situation. Wedding ceremonies performed in a church with no an appropriate registration or licensing process is merely a blessing by the church. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the couple to determine if their officiant has the required authority and in the event that they do not, adhere to the appropriate procedures.
Marriage by Ordinance is recorded at the Registrar General the locale Municipal or District Assembly, and is legally recognized. It is monogamous and doesn’t permit any marriage union (registered or not) with other people. Contrary to Customary as well as Islamic Marriages, the registration procedure begins prior to the time when the ceremony takes place. This is due in part to the procedures taken to make sure that monogamy is secured. Anyone who enters into any other type of marriage with another without dissolving prior ones, is guilty of bigamy, which is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable under the law.
Conclusion
This is a brief review of the various legal types of marriages that are legal in Ghana.