A total of 1,445 marriages were registered by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) between  January and March this year. 

Out of the number, 1,369 were registered under the Ordinance Marriage whilst 76 were registered under the Customary marriage. 

According to the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah who disclosed this 460, 419 and  414 marriages under Ordinance were registered in January, February and March respectively.

He said under the Customary marriage the months of January, February and March also recorded 20, 17 and 39 marriages respectively adding that, a total of nine marriages were dissolved.

Mr Ankrah said there were three forms of marriages recognized under the laws of Ghana namely Ordinance, Customary and Islamic or Mohammedans marriages adding that to obtain a marriage certificate under Ordinance an applicant must first file a Notice of Marriage where they are expected to provide details including their names, ages, occupations and addresses of both parties as well as copies of valid identification cards.

"After filling the notice, the applicants are required to return after 21 days, during which banns will be published on a notice board indicating both parties' intentions to marry. If there is no opposition after the 21 days, you will be asked to pick up your approved marriage license,“ he said.

"Currently an amount of GHS102 and GHS210 is charged as the 21-days notification fee and issuance of marriage certificate respectively," he said. 

He reiterated that the AMA had a 312 seater conference room, 60 and 30 seater conference rooms, and a garden at the city hall where marriage ceremonies could be officiated and urged would-be couples to approach the Assembly if they want to use the facility.

He also urged the public to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols by wearing a mask, washing hands with soap under running water for more than 20 seconds, use hand sanitisers frequently and practice physical distancing.