My lover is against my tribe

Dear Obaa Yaa,

I am a boy of 25 and civil servant. I am in love with a very beautiful girl who is a student.

I proposed to her and she accepted. We love each other so much and been together for eight years and hope to get married in future.

However, my lover talks against my tribe any time we meet.

She later told me her parents strong­ly dislike my tribe and warned that none of their children should marry from that tribe.

My girlfriend again told me that I should not be disturbed but if I really love her, she will convince her parents to agree to our marriage.

I am in doubt that this lady can convince her parents to agree to the marriage, because she also doesn’t like my tribe. I want to break up with her before it is too late.

I am Northerner and she is a Fante.

Malik, Bolgantanga.

Dear Malik,

THIS is prevalent but excruciating challenge in many cultures where tribal, ethnic or family loyalty plays a big role in relationship.

I believe you have taken the right decision and the earlier you implement it the better.

Again, communicate openly with your lover and also focus on your love and connection.

A loving partner will be willing to understand, compromise and not reject you because of your tribe.

If she refuses to respect your back­ground it could be a red flag, especially in a long term.

If you do marry and have children in the future, would she and her parents not make the children miserable just because through no choice, they were