CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE CAN BE ENDED IN COURT — LAWYER EXPLAINS

NEWS HEADLINE :CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE CAN BE ENDED IN COURT — LAWYER EXPLAINS 

By Cassandra Duku 20th July, 2025

NEWS SOURCE:GRAPHIC ONLINE 

A lawyer, Victor Owusu Asante, says that in Ghana, a customary marriage (also called traditional marriage) can be ended in court, just like a church or ordinance marriage. He wants people to know that couples in customary marriages have the same legal rights as those married under the ordinance system.

Speaking to Graphic Online, Mr. Owusu Asante said many people think only ordinance marriages can be dissolved in court, but that is not true. He explained that under Ghana’s Matrimonial Causes Act (Act 367, Section 41(3)), people in customary marriages can go to court to get a divorce and also ask for a fair share of property and support (maintenance).

He said that even if the customary marriage was never formally registered with the government, it can still be dissolved in court as long as it was properly done according to custom. This means that when couples break up, they can get help from the court to share things like houses, land or money fairly  just like in ordinance marriages.

Mr. Owusu Asante also cleared up the confusion between “engagement” and customary marriage. He said that in Ghanaian law, there is no legal thing called an “engagement.” What many people call an engagement is actually a valid customary marriage under the law.

He added that there is no law that says you must do a customary marriage before having an ordinance (civil) wedding. But if a couple does both, the ordinance marriage will replace the customary one. This is called a conversion - it means once the ordinance marriage happens, the customary marriage no longer exists.

He ended by advising Ghanaians to know their rights. He said people should not think customary marriage is just a family ceremony with no legal weight. It is fully recognised by law, and the courts can protect the rights of both partners if the marriage ends.

ANALYSIS 1

NEWS HEADLINE : “TOGO VOTES IN LOCAL ELECTIONS AMID OUTBURST OF PUBLIC ANGER: WHAT TO KNOW ” 

NEWS SOURCE:Al JAZEERA ENGLISH 

1. Yes. It clearly shows the voting process, which matches the headline about local elections.

2. It suggests seriousness and calm, but does not show the “public anger.” It feels formal, not urgent.

3. Not digitally manipulated, but it frames the election as calm and orderly, downplaying the protests.

4. The official is centered and in focus; observers behind him add context. Neutral lighting makes it formal.

5. It mostly reinforces. It proves the voting is happening but does not reveal the protests or anger.

6. Yes. Showing crowds or protests would highlight the unrest more than the official’s calm act.

7. Similar to other state-focused photos — highlights authority figures. Protest-focused outlets might show angry crowds instead.

8. Yes . It reflects Togo’s tendency to spotlight leaders for legitimacy, not the unrest, showing bias toward authority.

ANALYSIS 2

NEWS HEADLINE : “TRUMP HOSTS QATAR’S ’s PM FOR PRIVATE DINNER, MEETS BAHRAIN CROWN PRINCE ”  

NEWS SOURCE:Al JAZEERA ENGLISH 

1. Yes .It shows Trump, who is the main focus of the meeting.

2. Seriousness, some tension or secrecy because of his stern expression.

3. No digital changes, but it frames the story around Trump only, not the other leaders.

4. Centered, close-up shot with clear lighting, draws attention to his authority and mood.

5. It reinforces .It shows who hosted but not the dinner or other leaders.

6. Yes . Showing Trump with the Qatar PM and Bahrain crown prince would show more diplomacy and context.

7. Common style for U.S. outlets. Focuses on Trump alone. Some outlets use handshake or group shots to show relationships.

8. Yes .It reflects the U.S. tendency to highlight Trump as the power figure, less focus on the other parties.


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