Over the last decade, the splitting of marital assets after divorce has become a controversial topic in the Ghanaian society. Examples like the marriage of Nii Odartey Lamptey and Gloria Appiah or Gifty Dzamesi and Asamoah Gyan are often cited by netizens. Divorce continues to be a growing concern, with significant social and personal implications [1]. Multiple interconnected factors contribute to the dissolution of marriages, often varying in significance depending on socioeconomic, cultural, and individual circumstances of the parties involved [2].
One of the most commonly cited causes of divorce in Ghana is infidelity or adultery. Consequently, many have become sensitized about forensic DNA analysis for confirming paternity. A child inherits half of their DNA from their mum and half from their dad. Therefore, a child is expected to share 50% or more of their DNA with each parent. This tool is widely used in immigration cases and can show the true parent of a child [3]. Others have also turned to private investigators who use comprehensive forensic analysis to detect foreign traces like hair, makeup, semen, vaginal material or other body fluids and DNA, on the underwear or skin of their significant others.
Extramarital affairs, whether by the husband or the wife, erode the trust and commitment essential for a marital relationship. In a society where the “matrimonial bed” is sacred, such betrayals can be particularly devastating, leading to irreparable damage and, ultimately, divorce.
Financial difficulties are also attributed as a leading factor in marital breakdown. Inadequate household income caused by poor wages and salaries, unemployment, and business failures affect people’s ability to meet their family needs, resulting in conflicts and relationship problems. Lack of financial literacy on strategic savings and investment, disagreements over finances, poor spending habits, financial secrecy, unhealthy financial philosophies (e.g., “your money is our money but my money is my money“), materialistic lifestyles coupled with the stress of the high costs of living, can lead to resentment and, if unresolved through counseling and healthy compromises, can result in divorce.
Incompatibility and lack of communication are also cited as contributing factors to divorce. Couples may sometimes discover fundamental differences in their core values, temperament, faith, culture, life goals, sexual desires, or lifestyles that become irreconcilable, fueling unhappiness, lack of love and affection, and conflict in the marriage. For example, one may discover that their partner has a poor attitude towards money. Whilst some differences can be healthy for a couple, fundamental differences may affect the family’s safety and security. It can be difficult to overcome these differences without professional support. Poor communication patterns, including an inability to express needs and expectations, set healthy boundaries, resolve conflicts constructively, or practice empathetic listening, can further escalate the issues of incompatibility and jeopardize the marriage relationship.
In the Ghanaian culture, marriage is perceived as a union between two families rather than two individuals. Whilst this is a healthy tradition, it can lead to interference from extended family members, straining marital relationships. Without setting appropriate boundaries, in-laws may exert undue influence on the decisions of the couple or interfere in their private matters. Such interference can create tension and resentment, especially when it undermines the couple’s autonomy or creates a sense of divided loyalties. The absence of children is one of the private matters where such interference is observed. In a society that places a high value on procreation, childlessness can be a source of stigma and pressure from relatives and the community, particularly for women. Couples who are unable to conceive may experience strain and blame, affecting marital quality and personal wellbeing.
Another significant cause of divorce is abuse, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological. Domestic violence is one of the common issues cited as grounds for divorce. The Ghanaian society is patriarchal, with certain cultural expectations placed on men and women. For example, men are traditionally perceived as the providers or head of the family, and women are expected to be submissive to their husbands [2]. The changing gender roles and expectations in modern culture are sometimes cited as contributing factors in divorce. The proportion of women who are highly educated and economically independent has increased over the years, and more women are empowered to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations within the marriage. This shift can create conflict, especially if husbands are unwilling to adapt or share decision-making power.
It is worth noting that the factors outlined above are often intertwined and can have a cumulative effect on a marriage. For example, financial difficulties in marriage can lead to increased stress and conflict, which in turn can fuel infidelity or abuse. Poor communication can also exacerbate existing incompatibility issues and make it challenging for couples to resolve their differences. To address the root causes of divorce in Ghana, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Couples should pursue and practice open communication and conflict resolution skills, including making healthy compromises where necessary. Further, couples should actively engage in educational and ongoing counseling programmes focused on topics and exercises, such as how to love your spouse better and improve accountability and transparency; ways to address unreasonable behaviour and socioeconomic disparities in marriage; managing finances, and healthy ways to challenge harmful cultural norms and traditions [1,2].
References
- Ayebeng, C., Dickson, K.S., Seidu, AA. et al. Single motherhood in Ghana: analysis of trends and predictors using demographic and health survey data. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 2022;9, 345. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01371-6
- Oppong Asante, K., Osafo, J. and Nyamekye, G. K. An Exploratory Study of Factors Contributing to Divorce Among Married Couples in Accra, Ghana: A Qualitative Approach. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage 2014;55(1), pp. 16–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/10502556.2013.837715
- Amankwaa AO. Towards a reformed policy for immigrant DNA tests, a commentary. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine 2019;66:117–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2019.06.016.
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