Marriage Under the Muhammadan Ordinance in Ghana: Knowledge and Perceptions of Muslims in Tamale in the Northern Region

Abstract

While Muslims in Ghana are required to ensure the registration of their marriages under CAP 129 of the Marriages Act, there is a general observation of gross non-compliance to this legal provision. This paper investigated the knowledge and perceptions of Muslims in Ghana about the Marriage Under the Muhammadan Ordinance. Descriptive research design was employed and multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of the respondents. A total of 310 married Muslims were selected purposively using convenience sampling approach. Interviews and questionnaire were the main tools for the collection of data. It was found out that majority of Muslims are ignorant about the legal provision for the registration of Muslim marriages in Ghana. It is also evident that Muslims do not find the need to engage in processes for the registration of their marriages under the law.