Ghanaian life coach Douglas Owusu Boateng has sparked conversations after urging families to make dowry lists more affordable for young couples preparing for marriage.

According to him, many of the items traditionally demanded have become excessive and no longer reflect the true purpose of the marriage rite.

Speaking in a video posted on the X app on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, regarding the growing trend of families adding unusual or intimate items to dowry requirements, he questioned why some lists now include things such as underwear and panties, arguing that such additions place unnecessary financial pressures on young men hoping to marry.

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He explained his concerns further, saying: “Let’s reduce the dowry list. What do you even use the schnapps for? Is it for appellations? Yes, it is part of the tradition, but the extra additions do not make sense, especially when a grown man wants to marry.

"We shouldn’t make unnecessary things expensive. Some of the items added these days are simply unimportant. For example, panties. Which woman goes into marriage without panties? Yet you see six dozen written there. Is she going for Miss Ghana? Underwear. Five dozen. Why?

He added, “Let’s take our minds off these things and focus on a few essential items that will allow men to marry. Many men cannot marry because the cost has become too high. I urge all parents to reduce the dowry list so young people can marry.”

Owusu Boateng stressed that the essence of dowry is to symbolise respect and appreciation, not to create a financial barrier that discourages marriage.

He noted that the rising cost of living already makes it difficult for many young people to settle down, and inflated dowry lists only worsen the situation.

DOVVSU advises women against providing dowry

His comments have since generated discussions on social media, with many young people echoing his concerns and calling for cultural practices to evolve in ways that support, rather than hinder marriages.

Watch the video below:

“Make dowry lists affordable for young people. Most of the items on those lists have become unnecessary”

—Life coach, Douglas Owusu Boateng on the norm of families adding items including underwear and panties to marriage dowry lists. pic.twitter.com/QXgnNnHvf9

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) December 16, 2025