Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the founder and leader of Action Chapel International, has sparked widespread discussion in Ghana with his recent sermon criticizing lavish weddings and calling for financial prudence before marriage.
In a viral video from his sermon (shared widely on January 12, 2026), he stated that couples—particularly the groom—should be discouraged from holding elaborate weddings unless the man can prove he has at least GH¢100,000 in savings in his bank account. His key message: Starting a marriage in debt sets a poor foundation and leads to unnecessary stress.
He explained:
“If the man cannot prove that at least he has GH¢100,000 in his bank account, he shouldn’t have a wedding. You don’t want to begin your marriage with debt. You go on honeymoon, and the phone starts ringing. Someone who supplied the chairs is calling, and another who provided the drinks is asking for money. Before you realise it, your ability to function is gone.”
The Archbishop emphasized that marriage is not the same as a wedding—the focus should be on long-term stability, not one-day extravagance. He criticized the pressure to host expensive “white weddings” and receptions, especially for young couples with limited means, noting that guests often end up criticizing rather than supporting the union.
As an alternative, he suggested simpler options like church-based mass weddings (multiple couples at once) with no receptions, bridal parties, or elaborate displays—just rings, blessings, and then couples can “go home, make love, make babies, [and] live your life.
“This isn’t the first time he’s addressed the topic; he gave similar advice in 2025 against borrowing for lavish events, even sharing his own early marriage experience under societal pressure.
The statement has gone viral, with media outlets like GhanaWeb, Graphic Online, and YEN.com.gh covering it extensively, and many Ghanaians debating it on social media. Some agree it’s practical advice against wasteful spending, while others see it as too strict or one-sided (e.g., focusing mainly on the man’s finances).
What do you think—does this GH¢100,000 threshold make sense in today’s Ghana, or is it too high? Weddings can be meaningful without breaking the bank!