Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey, has rejected the bride price from her daughter’s suitor with the underlying explanation that “she is not for sale.”
Rejecting the dowry and other required items, Joe Ghartey as the father of the bride decided to take only the ring and a Bible.
The former Attorney-General and Second Deputy Speaker said in the ceremony’s video that he started the custom when he married his wife, taking the same goods to her family.
He continued by saying that he didn’t want to put any additional stress on the newlyweds as they began their family life. stating that his priority is for their marriage to be happy and last.
“May God bless you, Ewurama. The Bible and ring were brought by your husband’s family. When I went to ask your mother’s family for her hand in marriage, I only brought a ring and a Bible.”
“When you and your husband have children, you can continue this custom if you so choose. Even if I’m gone by then, it will still be appropriate to do so. I can’t make you both do it. Together, you are travelling this trip.”
The bridegroom and his family responded with thanks and expressed their thankfulness for being able to join the Hon. Ghartey’s family.
The representative for the groom’s family clarified the father of the bride’s odd demand.
“We had one of the most fascinating conversations when we went to see our father, Joe Ghartey, to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. He claimed that the couple had just given birth and he didn’t want to add to their load. He just asked for a Bible to act as a guide in times of struggle and a ring to signify that this woman is married.
That was all he asked for. In addition, he said that he would reject all items other than the Bible and the ring. We complied with the request out of our love for the woman. If you see us today, it’s because we have the things we need to ask for her hand in marriage.
