Premarital Counseling Workshops Held in Eastern Region to Strengthen Marriages
Churches and community groups in Ghana's Eastern Region have recently launched a series of premarital counseling workshops aimed at equipping couples with essential tools for a successful marriage. These sessions, held across various towns, are designed to help partners navigate expectations, resolve conflicts, and lay a solid foundation for long-lasting relationships.
The workshops focus on a range of critical topics, including effective communication, financial management, and understanding each other's backgrounds. Facilitators emphasize the importance of discussing personal expectations before marriage to avoid misunderstandings later. Many couples often enter marriage with different perceptions of roles, responsibilities, and life goals, which can lead to conflict if not addressed early.
Pastor Emmanuel Asare of Grace Community Church in Koforidua, one of the organizers, explained, “We believe that building a strong marriage starts before the wedding day. These workshops provide couples with guidance on how to handle the realities of married life.” Participants were encouraged to openly discuss sensitive topics, such as managing finances, sharing household duties, and handling external influences from family and friends.
Another crucial aspect of the sessions was conflict resolution. Many couples face challenges in managing disagreements constructively. Through role-playing exercises and group discussions, couples learned techniques to de-escalate conflicts and communicate respectfully, even during heated moments.
Jennifer Owusu, a participant, shared her experience: “My fiancé and I had different views about handling money. These sessions helped us understand each other’s perspectives and come up with a plan that works for both of us.”
Community groups like the Eastern Region Marriage Association have also partnered in these efforts. Their representatives highlighted that these programs aim to reduce the region’s rising divorce rates by addressing marital issues early. According to recent statistics, unresolved conflicts and unmet expectations are among the leading causes of marriage breakdown in Ghana.
Workshops have seen significant attendance, reflecting a growing interest among couples to invest in their relationships before marriage. Many participants expressed appreciation for the practical advice and the safe space provided to address personal concerns.
Organizers plan to expand these sessions to more regions, recognizing that preparing couples for marriage is key to building healthier communities. They also encourage families and friends to support couples during their preparation journey.
What do you think about these premarital counseling workshops? Do you believe they can help reduce divorce rates in Ghana? Leave your comments below and follow us for more updates on community initiatives!
blogpay
Total Comments: 0