The rise in divorce cases across Ghana is quickly becoming a disturbing societal trend. According to Vida Teiko Narteh Esq., a litigation lawyer specializing in divorce at Gavel & Cross, divorce is on a steep rise in the country. In a recent interview on Kristocentric News with Christian News Anchor ,Yeboah Edwin Takyi, she shed light on the growing concern and its implications for Ghanaian families and the Church.
Picture: Official Kristocentric News interview flier
“I would say annually, we do about 15 to 20 divorce cases at our firm alone,” she revealed. “And even apart from the cases we handle, when you go to the divorce courts in Accra alone, there are three dedicated courts—and each of them is packed.” This, she explained, is a clear indication that divorce is not just a legal statistic, but a national issue with far-reaching consequences.
While the causes of divorce differ from couple to couple, some patterns are hard to ignore. Infidelity remains one of the most common reasons, followed closely by financial and emotional neglect. Physical abuse, though often hidden behind closed doors, is another major cause leading many spouses to seek legal separation for their safety and sanity.
“There are some marriages that are beyond salvation,” Narteh noted. “Some are dead on arrival. But on the other side, there are some that you think these two people should give it a shot at trying to salvage the situation—it could be saved.”
Picture: Divorce agreement
But beyond the courtroom, Narteh believes that more can be done—particularly by the Church, which often serves as the first line of support for couples preparing for marriage. “Most churches organise counselling sessions for to-be-married couples,” she acknowledged. “But I believe the best thing to do is that towards the end of those sessions, churches should invite a lawyer—specifically someone in family law who has handled divorce cases—to speak to the couples about the legal implications of the choices and actions they may face in marriage.”
Her call is timely and necessary. Many couples walk into marriage unprepared for the legal responsibilities that come with it. A holistic counselling approach that includes the spiritual, emotional, and legal dimensions could be the key to helping couples not just stay together but thrive together.
Yet, even as legal systems evolve and support structures grow, the foundation of marriage cannot be ignored. The Bible reminds us in Genesis 2:24, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” And in Matthew 19:6, Jesus Himself said, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” Marriage is not to be entered with an exit strategy. It is a divine union, a covenant that demands effort, understanding, forgiveness, and grace.
The Bible is full of counsel for husbands and wives—how to love, submit, respect, forgive, and bear with one another. But it is not enough to simply know the Word. It must be practiced. A marriage without God at the center and without active obedience to His Word is already on shaky ground. For marriages to stand the test of time, couples must apply these truths daily, not only in times of joy but also in moments of difficulty.
As the rate of divorce rises, so must the believers’ commitment to build stronger marriages—spiritually anchored, emotionally mature, and legally informed.