Wondering what a Ghanaian Traditional wedding ceremony entails? Here’s an insight.

Ghanaian traditional weddings are not just ceremonies; they are vibrant celebrations of culture, family, and love. Rooted in rich traditions that span generations, these weddings are a colorful tapestry of rituals and customs that bring families together and unite couples in matrimony.

PRE WEDDING TRADITIONS

In Ghana, the journey of marriage commences with the groom's announcement to his family that he has found the one he wishes to marry. The family may already know about the woman, or they may be learning about her for the first time. This announcement triggers a series of time-honored customs and traditions, ultimately leading to a joyful celebration of union.

The man's family proceeds to the "knocking" after learning this information.  The "knocking" ceremony, also called "Opon-akyi bo" or "kokooko," is necessary before a traditional Ghanaian wedding. The bride's family is approached at this point or the groom's family "knocks on the door" to let them know their son wants to marry their daughter. It acts as a means of introduction for families.

Once the marriage proposal has been accepted, the couple can decide on a date for the wedding and give the "engagement" list, which is a dowry that contains presents for the bride's parents including jewellery, cash, and clothing. Additionally, the groom's brothers receive money, known as Akonta Sekan, for defending their sister.

The bride's family traditionally foots the bill for the wedding and reception, while the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner.

THE MAIN WEDDING CEREMONY

The bride's house or another appropriate location is often where the wedding ceremony is held. Traditional "adowa" groups or a live band will perform music prior to the wedding. Members of the two families will sit across from one another during the ceremony, and the designated spokespersons for each group will converse amicably. The groom and his family will be seated to be welcomed by the bride's family as they enter with the wedding list or "aye-yo-dee" gifts. There is a huge queue of family members who arrive with or wearing gifts. The bride is then welcomed inside. She is actually being paraded for everyone to observe and appreciate her beauty as she enters with a group of female friends or sisters, amid music and dancing, dressed exquisitely in costly kente, and wearing jewellery. In most cases, the bride and groom dress alike. In an effort to welcome the groom's family, she travels around the room shaking hands with each person. She is then shown to the groom's family, who lavishly call her flattering names

The bride consenting three times to being asked for her hand in marriage is one symbolic part of Ghanaian weddings. Although tradition goes back a long way, it is still used in contemporary weddings to show that she is not being coerced into the marriage. After the bride accepts, she is then introduced to the groom's family.

The groom will provide the father drinks during the ceremony, such as Schnapps or palm wine. In Ghanaian custom, this is known as Tiri Nasa, and it typically seals the marriage.

Following the ceremony, there is a reception with food, entertainment, and dancing. The bride and groom will go around to greet and thank their guests for attending, and personalised wedding favours like chocolates, mugs, or pencils are provided. To honour the newlyweds, guests are invited to dance to traditional Ghanaian music, eat local cuisine, and enjoy one other's company.

In the course of the first dance, the groomsmen or other visitors will "compete" toss money at the couple. In addition to giving the newlyweds money for their new life, this gives the guests a chance to compete in various entertaining ways. A luncheon or other separate celebration may be scheduled for guests who travelled a great distance after the wedding where the couple will cut their cake and make speeches.

The traditional marriage is customarily a complete marriage process on its own. However, for couples who choose to do a white wedding, the traditional marriage ceremony or “engagement” is not the final aspect of the marriage ceremony, the white wedding is.  For most of such couples, the marriage certificate is signed at church or at a marriage venue recognized by the state. Another option would be for the couple to proceed to a court or a registrar of marriages to register their marriage under Ordinance. 

POST-WEDDING TRADITIONS IN GHANA

Some Ghanaian communities, such as the Bulsa of Northern Ghana, celebrate the Nansiung-Iika, also known as "Closing of the Gate or Entrance." As it is meant to permanently unite a man and woman until death, this rite is said to be the most important. This ceremony can take place following a wedding but before a lady becomes pregnant. A hen, cola, a hoe, or sheep may be used in the ceremony, and the woman's paternal family must accept these objects to signify the ritual's conclusion.