The groom’s family stands at the door with drinks and waits for permission to enter. The bride’s family takes its time. Among the Ga people of Accra, as in other Ghanaian cultures, a marriage begins with a formal approach between families, and every step carries meaning.
The Ga and the knocking
The Ga are the indigenous people of the Accra coast, living in towns such as Ga Mashie, Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua and Tema. Their language is Ga, and their culture includes the Homowo festival and distinct marriage customs. The first formal step is the knocking, often called kookooko. The man’s family visits the woman’s family with drinks to announce his intention. If the woman’s family accepts, they discuss the next steps and may give a list of items.
The list and the ceremony
Ga marriage lists commonly include drinks such as schnapps, cloth for the bride and her mother, jewellery, a suitcase, shoes, money for different family members and sometimes items for the bride’s father. Lists vary widely between families.
On the day, the groom’s family arrives with the items. Spokespersons lead the discussions, and the bride’s family checks the items. Elders pour libation and pray.
Presenting the bride, attire and food
The bride may be brought out after the items have been accepted. In some ceremonies, other women are presented first in a playful test. The bride is asked whether she accepts the marriage, often by accepting a drink or ring from the groom’s family. Her answer is greeted with celebration. Couples often wear kente or matching cloth. Ga brides may wear beads and elaborate headwraps.
After the formal part, guests enjoy food such as kenkey, fried fish, jollof and other dishes, with music and dancing, including Ga rhythms such as kpanlogo.
Modern changes and the groom's role
Many couples combine the traditional marriage with a church or civil wedding, sometimes on the same weekend. Some families simplify lists to reduce costs. Customary marriages can be registered with the local assembly, giving them a formal record. In many Ga ceremonies, the groom does not speak for himself. His family spokesperson leads, and he may only appear when called.
A Ga traditional marriage is first an agreement between families. The cloth and drinks are symbols. The real exchange is the promise that two families will support the couple for life.
