Latest to join the bandwagon of celebrities debating on the need for polygamy to be legalised in Ghana is actor John Dumelo.
John, the actor turned politician, believes polygamy should be legalized in Ghana since there is nothing with it.
Defending his stance on the topic in an interview, John says although he does not believe in polygamy, he sees nothing wrong with engaging in it, once the individual has enough resources to take care of all the wives and children he hopes to bear.
Currently, in Ghana, the civil laws of the country consider polygamy an illegal lifestyle, even though Muslims, African traditionalists and even Christians to some extent practise it freely.
There are about three (3) different laws governing marriage in Ghana: the Customary Marriage and Divorce Registration Law, 1985 (PNDCL 112) amended by PNDCL 263; the Marriage Ordinance, 1884 (Cap 127); and the Marriage of Mohammedan’s Ordinance, 1884 (Cap 129).
Under the PNDC Law 112, a man, in principle, can have as many wives as he can reasonably take care of them that will willingly marry him. But under the Marriage Ordinance, whether in church or in court, it’s strictly a man to a wife. Also, it is common knowledge that Islam allows up to a ceiling of 4 wives, and so does the Mohammedan’s Ordinance.
John does not only believe in polygamy on the part of men, he believes women must be allowed to be in polyandrous relationships too. This way, it is perfect for both parties, John said.
“I feel that there’s nothing wrong with it. I mean if our brothers and sisters who are Muslims are doing it perfectly, why not Christians? Provided you can take care of your family and your two or three wives that’s fine and I mean, I speak to a lot of Muslim friends of mine and they’re okay with it, personally I don’t believe in it but I feel it’s good for Ghana.”
He also stated that “The reversal is also perfect, do it both ways, do it for women also but naturally, men are like that and women aren’t so you will find fewer women doing that but I think should be legalized.`”
