Marriage is a very important ceremony in every community in Ghana. The requirements for marriage differs from ethnic group to ethnic group.
The dowry (or bride price), which is an amount a prospective groom pays to the brides family has become the source of sorrow for many would-be couples.
In some part of the power-plagued Upper West region of Ghana, a man may have to cough between 5000 and 30000 cowries plus about 4 to 12 cows as the bride price.
This situation has resulted in some would-be couples cohabiting without going through the normal traditional rites. Those who manage to pay the expensive dowries end up abusing their wives because of the perceived sense of ownership due to the payment of the bride price.
Should marriage be this expensive?
How can would-be couples live their dreams in such circumstances?
How can domestic violence be prevented due to this situation?
Should the payment of dowries be abolished?
Latif Mahama tells the story of the enslaved wives of Wa in this documentary.
The 97.3 Citi FM Hold My Hand Documentary Series is proudly sponsored by STAR GHANA.