Traditional marriage in Ghana is more than a union between two individuals — it is a celebration of culture, family, and heritage. Known locally as the engagement ceremony, it represents the official joining of two families and is often considered even more significant than the white wedding.
In Ghanaian culture, marriage is not seen as a private affair but as a communal event that involves families, extended relatives, and sometimes even the larger community. A traditional marriage is the moment when families formally acknowledge and bless the relationship. Without it, a wedding is often seen as incomplete.
Different Types of Traditional Marriage in Ghana.
Ghana is home to many ethnic groups, and while the essence of traditional marriage is the same — the joining of families — the customs differ across communities. We have the Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagomba, Mamprusi, and Gonja Traditional Marriage. Though diverse in practice, these customs share one core theme: marriage is a union that extends beyond two people to bring entire families together.
Customs and Rituals
The customs of traditional marriage in Ghana vary across ethnic groups, but many practices remain widely observed:
- Knocking (Kokooko): The groom’s family visits the bride’s home to declare their intentions. They bring drinks as a sign of respect.
- Bride Price (Dowry): The groom’s family presents items requested by the bride’s family. These often include drinks, money, cloth, jewelry, and in some traditions, livestock.
- Exchange of Gifts: Families exchange symbolic items beyond the bride price. A bride may receive kente cloth, symbolizing dignity and cultural pride.
- Blessings and Prayers: Elders from both families bless the couple. They pray for fruitfulness, prosperity, and unity in the marriage.
Attire makes Ghanaian traditional weddings vibrant. Brides usually wear rich Kente cloth, beads, and gold jewelry. Grooms often appear in Kente or northern smocks. Bridal parties and guests wear coordinated outfits, turning the event into a colorful showcase of culture.
No Ghanaian marriage is complete without music and dance. Drum ensembles, highlife, and Afrobeats keep the atmosphere lively. Families celebrate not only the couple but also the union of households. Food, laughter, and cultural displays add to the joy
HELPFUL GUIDES TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING.
- Best Kente Styles and Colors for Weddings in 2025.
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- Mother of the Groom Dresses Perfect for a Stylish Ghanaian Wedding.
Many couples now combine traditional marriage with a white wedding. The church or civil ceremony may follow, but the traditional one remains the cornerstone. It is the cultural recognition that makes the union complete.
PHOTO CREDIT: JEMA STUDIOS
