Marriage is a beautiful jour­ney, but it is not without its challenges. As the years go by, the spark that once burned bright can start to fade. But fear not! With a little effort and creativity, you can keep the flame alive and nurture a fulfilling marriage. In this article, we will explore some practical tips to help you reignite the spark and build a stronger, more loving relationship.

1. Communication is key

Effective communication is the foundation of a healthy marriage. It is the glue that holds your relationship together, and it is essential for build­ing trust, understanding, and intima­cy. Make time to talk to each other, share your thoughts, feelings, and desires. Listen actively and respond with empathy. Avoid assumptions and misunderstandings by clarifying expectations and needs.

For example, let us say you are feeling frustrated with your partner’s lack of help around the house. Instead of accusing them of being lazy, try expressing your feelings and needs in a non-accusatory way. You might say, “Darling, I feel overwhelmed with the household chores. Can we work together to find a solution that works for both of us?” This approach can help prevent defensiveness and promote a more constructive conver­sation.

2. Date nights and quality time

Regular date nights can help you reconnect and strengthen your bond. It does not have to be expensive or elaborate – even a simple walk or dinner at home can be a great way to spend quality time together. Make an effort to prioritise your relationship and schedule regular dates.

3. Show appreciation and grati­tude

Showing appreciation can go a long way in keeping the spark alive. Ex­press your gratitude for your partner, their efforts, and their presence in your life. Small gestures like surprise gifts or thoughtful notes can make a big difference.

Maybe you could write a heartfelt letter or message to your partner expressing your appreciation for their love and support. You might say some­thing like, “I’m so grateful for the way you always know how to maintain our home and family. Your hard work and dedication mean the world to me. I’m so lucky to have you as my partner in life.”

To be continued …

Source: Excerpts from “COURT­SHIP MATTERS: Keys to a Fulfilling Lasting Marriage” Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Lectur­er, Published Author, and Marriage Counsellor).

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COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAIN­ING INSTITUTE)

 By Counselor Prince Offei

 Just  outside the polished glass doors of Accra Mall, a differ­ent reality unfolds. Amid the traffic, street vendors, commuters and child beggars, the city’s energy flows in sharp contrast to the calm and luxury within.

It is 4pm on a humid Wednesday afternoon outside Accra Mall. In the traffic surrounding the mall, Toyota Corollas, Nissan Navara’s, Kia Morn­ing, Trotros, Mercedes-Benz cars crawl bumper to bumper. They inch their way around the roundabout connecting Spintex Road to the Tema Motorway. Drivers tap their horns repeatedly as the wait grows longer. Passersby slip between the vehicles, weaving their way to the trotro station, roadside stalls or side streets leading to their desti­nations.

Just beyond the traffic and noise, Accra Mall rises at the heart of the city, bright and busy with shops, eateries and cinemas gathered under one roof. Inside, the contrast is immediate. The air-conditioning hums steadily, keeping the space crisp and cool while shoppers move between stores with bags in hand containing new clothes, gadgets, perfumes and other small luxuries paid for in clean cedis. At the food court, children giggle over ice cream while friends lean over pizza boxes. The smell of fresh popcorn hangs in the air near the cinema entrance.

Since opening in 2008, Accra Mall has stood as one of the city’s most visited commercial hubs. But the calm inside ends at the door. The atmosphere shifts from cool air and clean cedis to constant movement, long waits, and daily survival. Just beyond the mall, the air is thick with heat, blaring horns, and ex­haust fumes. It carries the struggle of people whose day does not end with a shopping receipt.

According to MIT’s Atlas of Pop­ular Transport, Trotros carry over 3.5 million passenger trips each weekday and remain the dominant form of public transport, serving more than 70 per cent of Greater Accra’s commuters. Even without precise daily figures, their presence is unmistakable in the routines of Accra’s residents navigating work, school, and trade across the capi­tal.

This scene plays out daily along the busy stretch near Accra Mall, where traffic slows to a crawl and “trotro” queues stretch along the roadside. At the roundabout, be­neath a weathered police canopy, a plus-size policewoman in a bright green traffic vest has surrendered to sleep. She lies stretched on a long bench, mouth wide open, chin tilted skyward, as if the whine of horns and coughing engines were lullabies. A few steps away, a male officer in a matching vest, tasked with directing the traffic, stands by the roadside with his hands buried in his pockets, eyes fixed on the parade of cars inching forward and honking in frustration.

Across the street, Accra Mall’s Street commerce bursts into ac­tivity. Makeshift stalls are lined up tightly along the roadside. Racks of ready-made African clothing sway in the dusty breeze. Sandals are arranged neatly on plastic sheets. Beaded necklaces in red, blue and gold catch both sunlight and the attention of people passing by.