‘Men should have at least GH¢100,000 in savings before marrying’ – Duncan-Williams

Founder and leader of the Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has questioned the trend of lavish weddings, urging couples to prioritise financial stability over costly ceremonies.

In a sermon captured in a viral video, the Archbishop said people should be discouraged from organising weddings unless the groom has minimum savings of GH¢100,000, warning against beginning marriage in debt.

“If the man cannot prove that at least he has GH¢100,000 in his bank account, he shouldn’t have a wedding.

“You don’t want to begin your marriage with debt. You go on honeymoon, and the phone starts ringing. Someone who supplied the chairs is calling, and another who provided the drinks is asking for money. Before you realise it, your ability to function is gone,” he told his congregation.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams then criticised the growing obsession with white weddings and expensive receptions, especially among young couples with limited finances.

He stressed that marriage should not be confused with a wedding ceremony.

“Marriage is not a wedding. Those of you who give money to people who don’t have it to get married. If they don’t have money, they shouldn’t marry. Because marriage is not love. Love doesn’t buy provisions, love doesn’t pay the bills,” he said.

While clarifying that he was not opposed to marriage or supporting couples, the Archbishop proposed a simple church-based mass wedding ceremonies without receptions, bridal parties, or elaborate celebrations.

“I’m not saying we shouldn’t help people who want to marry. We need to have about five or ten couples on a Sunday morning on the altar here. Everybody brings their rings. No best man, no maid of honour, no bridesmaid, nothing. We just pronounced the blessing of God. Go home. Make love. Make babies. Live your life,” he said.

He also questioned the need for wedding receptions, arguing that couples often spend beyond their means to host guests who later criticise them.

“Why do you have to bring people to come and eat and drink your food for free, and then after they insult you? Why do you give people the opportunity to insult you? Don’t give them anything,” he advised.

The comments have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many users agreeing with the clergyman over what many see as the burden of expensive weddings on couples.

Watch the video below:

ID/EB