Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has ignited widespread debate after declaring that any man who cannot show proof of at least GH¢100,000 in his bank account should refrain from organising a wedding. In a video published by Ghana Weekend on Monday, January 12, the Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International argued that society has placed excessive emphasis on weddings, often forgetting that a ceremony is not the same as marriage itself.
He stressed that churches ought to discourage weddings unless the groom can demonstrate financial preparedness, setting GH¢100,000 as the standard benchmark.
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams emphasised that a man who cannot demonstrate having at least GH¢100,000 in his bank account should not proceed with a wedding. He cautioned that many couples enter marriage weighed down by debt due to extravagant ceremonies they cannot afford. “Marriage should not begin with debt,” he warned, noting that some newlyweds are pursued by vendors for unpaid bills even during their honeymoon.
He cited instances where suppliers of chairs and drinks demand payment immediately after weddings, describing this as evidence of poor financial readiness. The Archbishop further criticised society’s fixation on white weddings and urged single women to stop pressuring men into hosting lavish ceremonies.
“Marriage is not a wedding,” he said, adding that love alone is not enough to sustain a home. “Love doesn’t pay the bills. Love doesn’t buy provisions.” As an alternative, the Archbishop proposed simple church marriage blessings without bridesmaids, best men, or receptions, encouraging couples to focus on building their lives together rather than spending on ceremonies.
He further described weddings as a liability for people still building wealth, noting that such expenses only make sense for those who are already financially established. “Some of you don’t even have money to rent a one-bedroom apartment, yet you want a wedding,” he said.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising his call for financial responsibility, while others contend that the GH¢100,000 benchmark is impractical given the current economic realities.
Source: Sally Quaicoe
