Accra, Ghana – October 13, 2025. A recent overview of marriage laws in Ghana and Germany highlights key differences in how marriages are recognized and regulated in these two countries.
In Ghana, marriages are governed under the Ordinance Marriage system, which stipulates that marriages are statutory and monogamous, modeled after English law. According to the law, once a marriage is celebrated, a man cannot marry another woman under any form of law – doing so constitutes bigamy, a criminal offense under section 262 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Marriages in Ghana can be celebrated by a Registrar of Marriages or a licensed minister of religion, followed by registration. The marriage is only considered valid after registration and issuance of a marriage certificate.
In contrast, Germany’s marriage laws dictate that only civil marriages before a registrar are legally valid, as per § 1310 BGB.
These differences underscore the unique legal frameworks governing marriages in Ghana and Germany, reflecting the distinct cultural and legal contexts of each country. Understanding these laws is crucial for individuals planning to get married in either country or those with international connections.
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