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

Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has raised concerns about the growing culture of extravagant weddings, urging couples to focus on financial readiness rather than costly ceremonies.

In a sermon that has since gone viral, the Archbishop suggested that weddings should be discouraged unless the groom can demonstrate minimum savings of GH¢100,000, warning that starting married life in debt can be damaging.

According to him, couples who spend excessively often return from their honeymoon only to be chased by creditors for unpaid bills, leaving them financially strained and emotionally overwhelmed.

He criticised the increasing fixation on white weddings and lavish receptions, particularly among young people with limited resources, stressing that marriage should not be mistaken for the wedding event itself.

“Marriage is not the same as a wedding,” he emphasised, adding that love alone does not pay bills or provide for a household. He cautioned against encouraging financially unprepared couples to marry, insisting that marriage requires more than affection.

While making it clear that he supports marriage and helping couples, Archbishop Duncan-Williams proposed a simpler alternative: modest church-based mass wedding ceremonies without receptions, bridal entourages, or elaborate celebrations.

He suggested that several couples could be married during a regular church service, exchange rings, receive blessings, and return home to begin their lives together without unnecessary expense.

The Archbishop also questioned the value of wedding receptions, arguing that couples often overstretch themselves to entertain guests who later criticise them.

His remarks have triggered widespread discussion on social media, with many users backing his views and highlighting the financial pressure lavish weddings place on couples.