Christians’ Perception on Divorce And Remarriage in Ghana: A Study of Selected Christians in Ho-Municipality

Abstract

Today, many marriages are failing as divorce and remarriage are becoming very common among Christians in Ghana. A research work done by Akuamoah (2013) on Determinants of divorce in Ghana, 2008 has shown that through the processes of modernisation and globalisation, Sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana is beginning to experience the same family changes caused by divorce in the developed world (Tak, 2006). This research therefore sought to find out the perception of Ghanaian Christians on divorce and remarriage as to why they are still on the increase despite the fact that God hates and frowns on them respectively (Mal. 2:16; Matt. 19). The study discovered that God Himself designed marriage as a lifelong covenantal relationship (Gen. 2:23-25; Mal. 2:14). Based on the views of Christians in the Ho-Municipality (the study area), it was discovered that biblical messages do not seem to completely or effectively prevent divorce and remarriage from happening though the divorce rate seemed to be lower in this part of the country as compared with other parts. The study used phenomenological design as the population size was achieved through purposive sampling technique. Interviews and focus group discussions were used as tools for data collection from forty (40) respondents. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis as simple descriptive and inference were tools used for analysing the primary data. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the roles of the individual and the family should not be neglected just as marriage counsellors/religious leaders should counsel couples on changing roles of males and females and how to adjust to them in our modern society.