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Marriage based on lies will not last – Catholic Priest
A Catholic Priest at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ashaiman, Reverend Father Tapera Muserere (SVD), has advised persons intending to marry not to do so with an ulterior motive or under compulsion.
He explained that it was important for a person to come freely with his or her choice of partner to the church but should remember that “the church does not force people to marry”.
“If your marriage is based on lies, you will cry tomorrow ” he said delivering a sermon at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ashaiman on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time under the theme “Marriage and Family Life”.
Rev Fr. Muserere said marriage was a covenant and a contract, therefore, if a person was brought to the Church for the wrong reasons or based on lies for marriage, it had serious implications.
“You fooled the person, you didn’t tell him or her the truth. That means that marriage was not a covenant in the first place” he stressed.
The Catholic Priest said there had been instances where people who had been previously married traditionally failed to disclose this to their partners who only found out after their marriage had been solemnised.
He said others who had children also failed to disclose that information to their potential spouses for fear that they would be rejected.
These reasons according to him were not justifiable in any sense and were enough grounds for nullification of the marriage.
Rev Fr. Muserere said truth was key for a successful marriage and a marriage which was based on lies could never survive.
He advised singles to pray over their potential spouses and ask God to give them spouses who would love them and they could do same to be able to stick together in thick and thin.
He said for those who were already married but living unnaceptable lives and hiding behind the excuse “that it was the work of the devil” should have a change of life, be disciplined and rather ask God for strength instead if being comfortable hiding behind the so-called devil.
He charged all married couples to pray to God to intervene in whatever challenges they might be going through and ask Him to strengthen them for the rest of the journey ahead because every marriage had its own challenges, and needed the help of God. END
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Ashaiman.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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