Pre-marital counselling in Ghana: how long to allow

Most churches in Ghana will not marry a couple who have not been through their marriage counselling. The length varies. Ghana’s Catholic bishops ask for about six months of marriage preparation, while other churches run a course over a few weeks. Pastors also say couples often come to them too late, once the date is already fixed.

Ask before you book the venue

• How many sessions are there, and how often do they meet?
• Do both of you need to be members, or is one enough?
• Is there a fee, and does the course need books or materials?
• What do they need from you: baptism or confirmation records, a letter from your own church?
• Can sessions be held online if one of you is abroad?

What is usually covered

Faith and expectations, money and debt, family roles and in-laws, communication and conflict, intimacy and children. Many couples say the money sessions were the most useful, so be honest in them.

Build it into your plan

Add the counselling to your checklist in My wedding six months before a church wedding, and agree the dates with your pastor before you give notice at the registry.

Sources: SECAM (Catholic bishops of Africa and Madagascar) on marriage preparation in Ghana; Andrews University study of pre-marital counselling in Ghanaian churches.