In Ghana like many other African countries, the subject of divorce is treated with contempt and so, the society frowns against it due to its social implications. That notwithstanding, divorce must be sole based on evidenced by proof not mere allegations but by one that merits the justification of it. Thus, divorce is allowed under both customary and ordinance laws based on valid and concrete reasons. One cannot dispute the fact that the advent of the cultural imperialism from the West and East contributes to the myriad of problems experience in marriages in modern Ghana.
Western culture has helped thrust the normalization of divorce in Ghana even though such word or topic was rarely discussed before the coming of Europeans in Ghana. The causes of divorce in the Ghanaian context could be discussed based on the type of marriage i.e ordinance marriage, customary marriage or religious marriage.
Some of the reasons of divorce under customary marriage would not be applicable to marriage under ordinance. )
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Infidelity in marriage
This is one of the valid reasons for divorce and in-fact a major reason that causes divorce in Ghana. The act of not being truthful and honest to your spouse can cause trust issues which may ultimately lead to divorce. Infidelity in the context of marriage means remaining with your spouse alone without any extra-marital affairs.
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In Ghana, it is believed that the husband has the right to cheat on their wife especially under customary marriage where polygyny is allowed. However, this act is strictly prohibited under ordinance marriage in Ghana. It is worthy to note that, the issue of infidelity is treated seriously especially when it involves the female partner. This could be understood as a results of male-dominated society. Most divorces in Ghana today, is as a results of infidelity among spouses and this, is the leading cause of divorce in Ghana.
High Expectations
One of the high causes of divorce in Ghana is the unrealistic expectations from couples that usually blind them from This can be summed up as monetization of marriage in modern Ghanaian society where couples expects their marriage to be flawless devoid of any economic mishaps and bickering. The high expectation from partners can also be attributed to the borrowed lifestyle adopted by contemporary. Couples fake their financial statements and properties so as woo prospective partners. This fictitious life often becomes known immediately after marriage which ultimately leads to divorce.
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Domestic violence
Domestic abuse is very serious in most marriages in Ghana and sometime victims are subjected to several despicable and inhumane act of violence before they request for divorce. This come in many forms such as; assault, coercion, sexual assault, child abuse, threatening language, insults, killings, torture etc. These are all physical and psychological violence inflicted upon spouses that results in divorce in Ghana.
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More often than not, there is an erroneous impression that it is always the female partners that are abuse in marriage but the truth is that, male partners are abuse as well but due to the culture of being mocked at, they do not disclose such abuse.
To conclude, the subject of marriage, family and procreation is essential in the Ghanaian community and thus, serves as the bedrock for all social establishments. There are various forms of immoral marriage practices around the globe but it is significant to note that marriage in Ghana as define by text, customs and logic is a union between a man and a woman. Divorce is a social vice but relevant under certain conditions such as domestic abuse, infidelity etc.
Both state and traditional institutions are available to mediate amongst couples to make sure that issues are amicably solved. The rate at which marriages are collapsing in modern Ghana, it will be imperative to turn to traditional form of marriages by strengthening and building the capacity of local or traditional institutions through legislations and training. This will help reduce the skyrocketing rate at which divorce is happening in Ghana.
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