Joe Ghartey is the ideal father-in-law for any young man planning a modest wedding who doesn't want to spend all of his money on a bride price or dowry.
Joe Ghartey, the member of parliament for Essikado-Ketan, proposed to his daughter Ewurama Ghartey over the weekend, but instead of following other Ghanaian families' lead and burdening the young groom with a long list of conditions, he merely took a ring and a Bible.
The former attorney general and second deputy speaker is heard stating in a video that he posted on his official Facebook that he started the custom when he married his wife by bringing the same things to her family.
The former attorney general and second deputy speaker is heard stating in a video that he posted on his official Facebook that he started the custom when he married his wife by bringing the same things to her family.
The success and duration of the young couple's marriage mattered to him more than an expensive and onerous dowry, he said, and he saw no use in placing unnecessary pressure on them.
"May God bless you, Ewurama. The Bible and ring were brought by your husband's family. The only things I brought to the family when I asked for your mother's hand in marriage were a ring and a Bible. When you and your husband have children, you can continue this custom if you so choose. Even if I'm gone by then, it will still be appropriate to do so. You are on this road together, therefore I can't make you both do it," the politician remarked.
The bridegroom and his family consider it a blessing that they have gotten to know Mr.
Ghartey and his family, who have made the unconventional choice.
"We had one of the most interesting conversations when he visited our father Joe Ghartey to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage.
He added that the couple had just begun life and didn't want to bother them and as part of his desires, simply wanted a ring that will indicate that this woman is married and a Bible that will serve as a guidance in time of need.
The long-standing custom of intimidating men who want to be married with a huge list of commodities known as dowry and bride price occasionally prevents young men from getting legally wed, leading to some of them cohabiting with their partners and having numerous children.
Some folks deliberately try to get the most out of the groom, as if it is the last thing the bride's family will gain from him. It is encouraging to see that some people are starting to veer away from the conventional wisdom.