ChepOne of the popular traditions in the Ghanaian traditional wedding ceremony is investigation. This investigation is also popular in many other African tribes outside of Ghana.
After the knocking ceremony where the groom and his family have stated their intentions, the family of the bride give them a further date to return. It may be a duration of a week or more to give them time to make up their minds.
During this period, the girl’s family investigates the groom and his family (the man’s family does investigations too).
Common issues that are investigated are:
– if there are diseases commonly associated with the family?
– is there any abnormal occurrence common with the family, like premature death?
– is mental illness or epilepsy common in the family?
– do they have a bad reputation; quarrelsome, violent, stealing?
– do they treat their women bad, how do they regard women?
When both families are satisfied with their findings, the traditional marriage ceremony can proceed.
