Traditional marriage · Ga

Ga engagement list (marriage list)

Ga marriage moves through stages — the family drink, the knocking, and the engagement (ga-woo), which is traditionally led by the women of both families.

The knocking is called agbo-shimo.

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The list, item by item

For the bride

Suitcase
Kente
Beads
Cash for the bride
Sewing machine (in some lists)

For the bride's mother

Cloth and cash for the bride's mother

For the bride's father

Cloth and cash for the bride's father

For the bride's brothers

Cash for the brothers-in-law

For the family and elders

Cash or crates of drinks for the witnesses

Drinks

Weku daa — the family drink
Corn drink (nma-daa) with schnapps or gin
Crates of drinks

Cash items

Shiwo — the knocking fee
Kplemo — the acceptance fee
Shamóbo — a symbolic cash gift to the parents

A general guide drawn from published lists — not any family's official list. The bride's family gives the actual list, and items and amounts are agreed through the families' spokespersons. Customs differ by ethnic group, hometown and faith; some families accept cash instead of drinks. Always confirm with the bride's family.

Common questions

What is on a Ga engagement list?

Published Ga lists usually include weku daa, corn drink with schnapps or gin, crates of drinks, shiwo and more: 15 items in all on the list below. The bride's family gives the actual list, so treat this one as a starting point.

What is the knocking called in Ga custom?

The knocking, the groom's family's first formal visit, is called agbo-shimo. Many families now hold the knocking and the engagement on the same day.

Who decides what goes on a Ga engagement list?

The bride's family. They give the list to the groom's family, and items and amounts are agreed through the families' spokespersons. Some families accept cash instead of drinks.