Doing both customary and ordinance marriages is wasteful – High Court judge

A High Court Judge in Kumasi, Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur, has described the practice of conducting both an ordinance marriage and a customary marriage as unnecessary and a waste of time and resources.

She explained that under Ghanaian law, each marriage type is independently valid and legally recognized, making the performance of both ceremonies at the same time superfluous

Justice Smith-Arthur made the comment in passing while presiding over a case filed by Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, who is seeking a declaration that she is the only lawful surviving spouse of the late highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.

The first defendant in the case is Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, with Priscilla Ofori, also called Odo broni, listed as the second defendant.

Cross-examinations of all witnesses have concluded, and the court is expected to deliver its ruling on Friday, November 28, 2025.