A Ghanaian wedding has become the centre of heated discussions online after videos and images surfaced showing a groom tying the knot in the absence of his bride with her brother as a replacement.
The unusual ceremony has left many social media users puzzled, questioning why a wedding would proceed with a male as a substitute for the bride.
However, close friends and family members have clarified the situation, revealing that the bride, who currently resides abroad, could not attend due to health issues.
In her place, her brother stood in as a representative to fulfil the marriage rites on her behalf.
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While this may seem strange to some, it aligns with certain aspects of Ghanaian traditional marriage customs.
Understanding Ghanaian Traditional Wedding Culture
In Ghana, traditional marriage holds significant cultural and legal weight. Unlike Western-style weddings, Ghanaian customary unions are often family-centred, involving elders, negotiations, and symbolic rituals.
The process typically includes:
“Knocking” (Cultural Proposal) – The groom’s family formally visits the bride’s family to express their intention to marry her. A token or drink is presented as a sign of respect and commitment.
Bride Price (Dowry) – A list of items, including money, cloth, drinks, and jewelry, is given by the groom’s family as a gesture of appreciation.
Witnesses and Representatives – If one partner is unavailable, family members can stand in for them, ensuring the marriage is recognized under traditional customs.
Blessings and Celebrations – Elders offer prayers, and the union is sealed with a feast, music, and dance.
Given these customs, the absence of the bride at this wedding, though unconventional, is not entirely unprecedented in Ghanaian culture.
Family members can act as proxies to ensure that marriage rites are honoured.
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