GA Traditional Marriage List.

Marriage rites are treated with much regard and honour in Ghana and even Africa. It is a life time decision of a man wanting to spend the rest of his life with a woman.

A man, after concluding on his decision to marry a woman proceeds to meet the family of the woman as a sign sincerity.

After the family accept him, then he brings his family to meet that of the woman, then the process starts.

Although there are some similarities in the marriage rites of Africans, the culture and customs of various ethnic groups makes the difference.

Hence, in this article, we take a look at the marriage or engagement list provided by the Ga people.

The Ga people are the people occupying the southeast coast of Ghana. In the Ga community, marriage rite cannot be performed without the young man collecting the engagement list.

So if you have gotten a Naa or Ajeley and planning a sightly marriage ceremony, then this piece is for you.

The good people of Ga are one of the tribes in Ghana that is still holding on tightly to their ancient culture despite the influence of western culture in this generation.

They are known for their rich culture and therefore their marriage list is a little bit vast. The list is divided into three parts.

Part 1

Agboshimo (Knocking ceremony)

The following items must be supplied in this part;

1. Shiwo ( an amount of money given to notify the brides family of the man’s intention to marry their daughter) + a bottle of wine.
2. Kplemɔ (this is an acceptance fee given by the man, showing his acceptance of the engagement list).

Part 2

Yoo Tuumɔ (Actual engagement)

This part is where the actual necessities are provided for the engagement. These items are mainly for the bride to be. The following must be supplied by the man.

1. Ga (Ring)
2. Hymn book/Bible
3. 2 Bottles of Wine
4. 2 Bottles of Whisky.
5. 2 Bottles of Gin
6. 2 Catons of Beer
7. 2 Castle Bridge
8. 6 Bottles of Soda
9. Shika (an amount of money given to the bride for her wedding dress, accessories, hair and makeup)
10. Tuumɔ daŋ (money for bride to start business or support career) 
11. Too shibimɔ (also money for the bride)

Part 3

Sɛɛ Nihamɔ (Dowry)

This is the part where the bride price is paid. This gift is often in a form of money and other items to the parents and other relatives of the bride.

It also contain other gifts for the bride. The following items are supplied at this part;

1. 6- 1/2 pieces of Clothes or textiles.
2. 6 Headgears (Odasobɔ)
3. A set of Jewelry
4. Twelve pieces of full lappa
5. A set of beads (neck, waist,and wrists beads)
6. Kente Fabric
7. Under garments: panties, braziers, etc (Bue)
8. Cosmetics
9. 2 Wristwatches
10. 2 pairs of shoes
11. 2 bags
12. 1 suitcase
13. Shaanuu (Father in Law’s gift): Men’s cloth + cash
14. Shaayoo (Mother in Law’s gift) 1/2 piece of cloth + cash
15. 1 Bottle of Non alcoholic Wine + cash ghc for the church
16. Dhabi (Brother in law’s gift); often cash
17. Shitralɔi Daŋ (Witnesses gift- to show appreciation for support); often cash  
18. Shidaa (Thanks); in cash

Note: the cash involved in the list will depend of the families sagacity.