A Ghana Fire Service officer, Mr. Thomas Dzodefe, has raised concerns over what he says were demands made by his wife regarding their marriage, allegedly following teachings she received from a self-proclaimed prophetess.
The matter is reportedly unfolding at Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region.
Mr. Dzodefe spoke about the situation on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during an interaction with the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe.
The matter came before the Foundation following a petition submitted by the woman’s mother, Madam Grace Dushi, who reportedly expressed concerns about her daughter’s decision to leave her husband, children and business and stay with a woman who identifies herself as a prophetess.
The petition prompted the Foundation to contact Mr. Dzodefe to hear his account and better understand the circumstances surrounding the couple’s separation.
According to Mr. Dzodefe, his wife contacted him and explained that, based on teachings she had allegedly received from the self-proclaimed prophetess, Madam Agbeyeye, a woman should not remain married to a man who had not performed a wedding ceremony for her.
He reportedly said his wife subsequently told him that she would not continue with the marriage unless he organised a wedding ceremony and bought a car for her.
Mr. Dzodefe explained that he told his wife he was capable of organising a wedding ceremony but could not immediately afford to purchase a car. He reportedly indicated that he could work towards acquiring one in the future.
According to him, his wife did not accept the proposal and instead suggested that they end their relationship as a couple and focus solely on taking care of their children.
The disagreement reportedly resulted in the separation of the couple.
Mr. Dzodefe said he made several attempts to resolve the matter and restore the relationship, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
The situation, according to his account, has affected the family and left him concerned about the circumstances that led to the breakdown of the marriage.
As part of its inquiry, the Duamenefa Foundation also engaged the woman’s mother, Madam Grace Dushi, to obtain her perspective on the marriage and the events surrounding the separation.
Madam Dushi reportedly informed the Foundation that her daughter and Mr. Dzodefe had already contracted a customary marriage.
Her account has therefore introduced another dimension to the matter, as the couple had reportedly formalised their relationship under customary marriage before the disagreement concerning a wedding ceremony and the alleged demand for a car.
The Foundation is currently examining the different accounts presented by the parties in an effort to establish the circumstances that led to the separation and the woman’s decision to leave her husband, children and business.
The case has also raised questions about the potential influence of spiritual teachings on marital relationships, particularly where such teachings are alleged to contribute to disagreements between couples.
It has further highlighted challenges that can arise when spouses have different expectations regarding marriage ceremonies, financial responsibilities and family life.
The Duamenefa Foundation has emphasised that the claims contained in the petition and the accounts presented so far remain allegations and have not been established as facts.
The Foundation says it will continue its inquiry and give Madam Agbeyeye the opportunity to respond to the allegations levelled against her.
It will also examine the teachings allegedly given to the woman and consider the claims in the context of biblical principles and Christian ethics as part of its efforts to establish the facts.
The matter remains under investigation by the Duamenefa Foundation, which is engaging the parties involved to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and the couple’s separation.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe