At the recent 2024 Summer Retreat organized by the Charismatic Methodist Church in the UK, Nana Abena Etruba I, Benkumhene of Gomoa Amanful in the Central Region of Ghana, addressed a critical issue affecting married Ghanaians living abroad.
Speaking at the event, which brought together members from Milton Keynes, London, Rugby, Birmingham, Leeds, and Telford, Nana Etruba attributed the high level of cheating among married Ghanaians outside Ghana to intolerance and tension between couples.
Nana Etruba, who was specially invited from Ghana, emphasized that Ghanaian married men and women in London should learn to accommodate each other, stressing the importance of understanding and patience in relationships.
She also highlighted the alarming trend of massage homes in Ghana becoming hubs for infidelity among returnees, sharing a personal anecdote about a man who discovered his supposed impotence was actually a result of marital stress and tension.
Covid-19 impact on marriages
Nana Etruba further noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on many marriages.
The lockdown forced couples to stay home, revealing that many were merely coping with their relationships and using work as an escape from tension at home.
With no escape, many marriages broke down. “Covid-19 exposed the cracks in many marriages,” she said.
“When everyone was forced to stay home, the tensions and issues that were previously masked by work and other activities came to the surface, leading to a surge in marital breakdowns.”
Shared platform with international speakers
Nana Etruba shared the platform with other esteemed speakers, including Evangelist & Mrs. Bloom from Sweden and Reverend Dr. Agyenim-Boateng, based in the UK.
The event aimed to address various challenges faced by the Ghanaian diaspora community, with a focus on relationships, marriage, and personal growth.
A call to action
Nana Abena Etruba I’s words serve as a timely reminder for married couples to re-evaluate their relationships and work towards building stronger, more resilient bonds.
As the Ghanaian community continues to navigate the complexities of life abroad, her message of tolerance, understanding, and accommodation resonates deeply.
