The Registrar of Companies, Jemima Oware, says most marriages in Ghana are considered null and void because spouses do not register with the Registrar General’s Department as required by law.
She explained that churches need to complete a form to obtain a marriage officer’s license, but many churches fail to do so.
Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Mrs. Oware noted that some marriages are conducted in gardens or hotels without a licensed officer, making these unions invalid.
“The ordinance marriage is very strict. The premises has to be licensed. Sometimes, let’s say the main church is licensed, and they think that the branches therefore can take the legality from the main church, no. Even the branches have to be licensed.
So, if your main church is licensed for marriages and the branch is not licensed, that marriage is void,” she added.
Mrs. Oware highlighted that all ministers of religion must be officially registered by the Registrar General through the Minister of Justice to operate as marriage officers.
She urged individuals in invalid marriages to visit the Registrar General’s Department to obtain a special license.
