General News of Friday, 3 April 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Canada-based Ghanaian recounts forced marriage at 18 and journey to freedom

Lad (R) tells DJ Nyaami (L) she fled forced marriage to start a new life in Canada play videoLad (R) tells DJ Nyaami (L) she fled forced marriage to start a new life in Canada

A Ghanaian woman, Lad, now living in Canada, has shared details of the circumstances that led to her relocation, citing a forced marriage and challenges within her home.

She said she was born and raised in Techiman in the Bono East Region and had never travelled outside the town until she gained admission to the University of Ghana, Legon. That, she noted, was her first time leaving Techiman.

She stated that, while she was still in school and under 18, her parents compelled her to marry a man in his forties who already had a wife and children.

She added that the man had supported her financially throughout her time in high school until she completed.

In an interview with DJ Nyaami aired on April 1, 2026, she explained that tensions at home worsened over time as she disagreed with marrying the man, leaving her with no option but to accept the marriage arrangement.

She indicated that the situation culminated in 2024 when she was forced into the marriage.

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“The man already had a wife, and they wanted me to become his second wife, which I wasn’t comfortable with. That situation led to conflicts between my parents and me, but they kept insisting that I go ahead with the marriage. My mother even told me that they had all gone through the same experience, so to her, it was something normal,” she narrated.

Lad stated that life in the marriage was difficult, alleging that her husband controlled her movements while her co-wife treated her poorly.

She recounted instances where her co-wife attempted to physically attack her and said she was often blamed when items went missing in the house, with her complaints ignored.

She said she later confided in a friend from high school, who assisted her in securing a Canadian visa and provided financial support for the process.

According to her, she eventually informed her mother about her plans, and her family contributed towards funding her travel.

Lad said that, upon arriving in Canada, she stayed with a cousin for about a year as she adjusted to her new environment and worked towards establishing herself.

She added that although she is not legally divorced, she does not intend to return to the marriage in Ghana.



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