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Couple reveals ‘secret’ after 40 years of marriage
● Rev Albert Seth Ocran and his wife Regina
Loving the same person for as long as four decades is definitely no mean achievement. Such a journey is no doubt fraught with woments of joy and challenges which need cool heads to surmount
If you are young and you hear about such marriage anniversaries, you are likely to wonder how such couples managed to live together for so long and may also be curious to know what they could have done or are doing right to learn from them.
Well, Rev Albert Seth Ocran, the Former General Director of Torchbearers Mission Incorporated (a Missionary Organisation at Korle Gonno in Accra) on Wednesday, was gracious enough to share some lessons and experiences through his journey with his wife Mrs Regina Ocran.
Even after forty years, he described her as “a great woman who has been a pillar in my life” as he revealed some “secrets” to The Spectator to help some young people to also make it to such a height.
He said there was the need for persons who wished to marry to seek knowledge on the subject matter, try to know more about their spouses and should not take things for granted because marriage was a serious business.
He cautioned that, relationship with violent people should not be encouraged under any circumstances.
“A violent person in the early stages of a relationship will definitely continue to be violent. So signs of violence at this stage signifies a ‘red flag’ which should need counsel and therapy to correct it. If there is no sign of change in character, the relationship should be discontinued” he said.
He, however, said if a spouse became violent after marriage had started, immediate counselling and
corrective measures must be sought from the appropriate authorities within the church, mosque, community or the state, because violence of any form was unacceptable.
Rev Ocran observed that some people believed in using threats to have their ways and so will use that in a relationship .
He said threats no matter the form should also not be encouraged because they were early warning signs for abuse.
He said to ensure peace in a marriage, couples should not fight or do things which could lead to fighting.
“Spouses should guard against unnecessary arguments which leads to a fight; if at the stage of friendship, dating and courtship there were signs which showed clearly that one partner enjoyed fighting or quarrelling, it is a ‘red flag’ of a potential abuser, so the relationship must not be encouraged to proceed “ he said.
The Former General Director said they married without pressure from anybody, not even their parents and, therefore, encouraged the youth to do same.
“When a relationship is established without love and proper foundations, it will suffer abuse. Sometimes marriages which begin well, will develop problems due to external pressures and then abuse sets in” he observed.
Rev Ocran advised couples to many when ready but should not yield to pressure with the idea that they were growing and so they should settle down.
He condemned acts of infidelity saying it should not be trivialised in relationships because faithfulness to one’s spouse was key to a successful marriage but the reverse was a major cause of abuse and compromised the peace in a home.
Rev Ocran advised persons who wish to get married to look out for signs such as the use of force, or anger by a partner to achieve their aims.
He said the use of force or anger to compell the other partner to isolate themselves from family and friends, stop work without a mutual consent, or restrict movements or access to basic needs, including health care should not be entertained.
He advised that those who wished to get married must be educated or acquired some skills to make them independent to support their spouse and children.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
