Finance Minister: Ghana’s System Creates Pressure to Maintain Extramarital Relationships

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, recently shed light on a phenomenon that frequently compels men to engage in extramarital relationships.

In a video shared on June 8, 2023, via Joy News’ official Twitter handle, the finance minister delivered a speech in which he highlighted how societal pressures in Ghana often lead men to seek companionship outside of their marriages.

Addressing the issue, Ofori-Atta remarked, “The issue in Ghana for marriages is that somehow, the system compels you to have a girlfriend. And it’s a very difficult thing.

So, what do you do? When the whole society is moving in that direction?” His statement reflected the challenges faced by many individuals who feel coerced into pursuing extramarital affairs due to societal expectations.

However, Ofori-Atta put forth an intriguing proposal to potentially address this social challenge. He suggested that redefining one’s spouse as a boyfriend or girlfriend could offer a solution.

By doing so, he argued, the problem could be resolved. “Now if you are able to define your wife as your girlfriend, you’ve solved the problem,” he stated. The minister believed that perceiving one’s spouse as a girlfriend or boyfriend could foster fidelity and contribute to the development of a healthier society.

His proposal elicited amusement from the audience, as Ofori-Atta expressed, “It looks like just a statement, but I think it’s the heart of fidelity and a good society. So, let’s make our spouses our boyfriends and girlfriends, and we will have solved Ghana’s problem.”

The finance minister’s remarks highlighted the underlying societal factors that contribute to extramarital affairs in Ghana. By encouraging individuals to view their spouses through a different lens, he aimed to address the issue of infidelity and promote stronger relationships.

It remains to be seen how Ofori-Atta’s proposal will be received and whether it will lead to a shift in societal attitudes and behaviors regarding marriage and fidelity in Ghana.