Founder and Leader of the Union Government, Kwasi Addai Odike, has stated that the majority of people married under the Ordinance Marriage system are not happy in their unions.
According to him, if such couples were to be sincere with themselves and with God, about 90% would admit to being dissatisfied.
Speaking in an interview on Yɛn Nsempa Morning Show, Onua FM, Mr. Odike argued that most wives in ordinance marriages do not respect their husbands and often “rub shoulders” with them. He said the structure of the ordinance marriage gives women a sense of equality that has bred tension in many homes.
“I did the customary marriage, and I thank God for directing me to do that. My wife tried to convince me to go for the ordinance marriage, but I didn’t. I helped her, introduced her to my business, and even under the customary marriage, she was still rocking shoulders with me,” Odike said on October 14.
He revealed that due to his 1st wife’s attitude, after some time, he met another woman and went through the customary process again at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and got married again.
“I met another lady and took her to KMA. They asked her whether she knew I was already married, and she said yes. They asked her again whether she knew that if I bring another woman to marry, I can marry a third one, and she said yes. They then told her she could sign, and she did. Now I feel good and satisfied. Both wives know their positions, and there are no debates about what each will get when I pass away. Everyone knows their place, and that is why I’m glowing these days. If I had married under the ordinance, I would have been found wanting,” he remarked.
Mr. Odike maintained that the ordinance marriage system breeds disrespect and domestic friction.
“There is a lot of disrespect under the ordinance marriage. The women think that once there is a ring on their finger, that’s all. Many men regret marrying under the ordinance,” he said.
He added that even pastors who preach and bless ordinance marriages are struggling in their own unions but have no one to confide in.
“Even pastors that preach on ordinance and bless marriages are going through a lot in their marriages, but who are they going to tell?” he concluded.
Mr. Odike’s comments add to the ongoing national debate between customary and ordinance marriages in Ghana, and how cultural values and legal structures continue to shape marital relationships in the country.
