Archbishop Duncan-Williams Opens Up About the Reasons His First Marriage Failed, Advises the Youth

Archbishop Duncan-Williams Opens Up About the Reasons His First Marriage Failed, Advises the Youth

  • Archbishop Duncan-Williams shared some reasons to why his first marriage of 26 years did not survive the test of time
  • He criticised spending lavishly on weddings, urging couples to practice financial prudence and plan wisely to secure long-term happiness in marriage
  • The Archbishop also clarified his advice for bachelors, emphasising that financial readiness and wise planning are essential before committing to marriage

Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has opened up about the challenges he faced in his first marriage, sharing insights that reveal both humility and the lessons of youth.

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Church, Christians, religion, education, marriage, wife, husband, pastor
Archbishop Duncan-Williams Opens Up About the Reasons His First Marriage Failed, Advises the Youth
Source: UGC

The Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International Ministry spoke candidly in an interview with TV3, reflecting on decisions made under pressure and inexperience.

Duncan-Williams opens up about first marriage

He explained that social expectations and the enthusiasm of being a young pastor influenced him heavily.

“When I married the first time, I was 23. If you ask me why I married, I don’t know why,” he shared.

Read also

Duncan-Williams urges youth to prioritize life after marriage, advises couples not to overspend on weddings

The words carry the weight of introspection, showing how life experiences often teach lessons only after the fact.

Duncan-Williams admitted that he entered marriage without truly understanding what it entailed.

He described the combination of youthful optimism and societal pressure as a perfect storm that clouded his judgment.

“I did not know marriage. It took me years to understand what marriage was, and by that time, things were messed up,” he reflected.

Through his reflection, Archbishop Duncan-Williams encourages young Ghanaians to approach marriage with preparation, emotional maturity, and clarity.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams ended his 26-year marriage to his first wife, Mama Francisca. He is now happily married to his second wife, Rosa Whitaker Duncan-Williams.

Wedding today, cost of weddings today, cost of Ghanaian engagement, marriage, love, expensive weddings in Ghana
Archbishop Duncan-Williams advises youth to save ahead of the wedding they hope to have. Image credit: Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams/Facebook, iStock
Source: UGC

Archbishop Duncan-Williams critiques overspending on weddings

Also, the man of God called on Ghanaian youth to rethink the way they approach marriage, especially when it comes to lavish weddings. Speaking in an interview with TV3, the Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International Ministry explained that overspending and borrowing to fund celebrations can jeopardise a couple’s future happiness.

Read also

Woman shares struggles of turning 40 and still being unmarried, “life didn’t go as planned”

The Archbishop emphasised that love alone cannot sustain a household; financial prudence is key.

“All these weddings we do are too expensive. We waste a lot of money,” he said, adding that couples often borrow excessively to fund ceremonies that may not add lasting value to their marriage.

According to him, marriage does not require a grand ball or a massive church gathering. Simple engagement ceremonies at home, or a brief legal signing at a court, can achieve the same purpose without leaving couples in debt.

“You don’t need a white gown, you’ll only wear it once. But if you can afford it, then do it. If you have to borrow, don’t try it,” he stressed.

The Archbishop also highlighted how financial strain affects relationships over time. When couples cannot meet daily expenses or pay bills, tensions rise, trust erodes, and arguments over money can slowly chip away at love.

He explained that many separations and divorces stem from this imbalance.

Read also

Daniel, Duncan Williams’ son, drops inspiring Amapiano hit “God got me, I’m taken”, adds dance challenge

Watch the YouTube video below.

Subscribe to watch new videos

His remarks come after clarifying a widely discussed statement advising men without GH¢100,000 in savings to reconsider marriage until they are financially prepared.

The core message, he said, is wisdom. “Love doesn’t buy food. Being pretty or handsome doesn’t pay bills. Money does. Save and plan wisely,” he urged.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams concluded by encouraging young couples to focus on building a stable life after marriage rather than being distracted by fleeting celebrations.

A modest, thoughtful wedding is not a lack of love it is a wise investment in a future filled with joy, peace, and shared prosperity.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams, Action Chapel International, Ghanaian men, marriage, bachelors, wedding
Archbishop Duncan-Williams advises men desirous of getting married. Photoc credit:@Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams/Facebook, @Stockbyte/Getty Images
Source: UGC

Duncan-Williams clarifies advice for bachelors

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has offered clarity on his recent comments where he advised bachelors without GH¢100,000 in their bank accounts who plan to hold a wedding.

Read also

Elderly man advises young men to avoid marriage: 'The Bible doesn’t make it compulsory'

In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh on TikTok from TV3, Duncan-Williams said he was not surprised his comment became topical, adding that holding a wedding actually costs more than GH¢100,000.

Explaining, he stated that the message he intended to put out was that marriage comes with responsibility, and a lack of finances could negatively impact a couple.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Ruth Sekyi avatar

Ruth Sekyi (Entertainment Editor) Ruth Esi Amfua Sekyi is a Human Interest Editor at YEN.com.gh with 4+ years' experience across radio, print, TV, and digital media. She holds a B.A. in Communications (PR) from UNIMAC-IJ. Her media career began at Radio GIJ (campus radio), followed by Prime News Ghana. At InstinctWave, she worked on business content, playing major role in events organized by the company. She also worked with ABC News GH, updating their site, served as Production Assistant. In 2025, Ruth completed the ECOWAS, GIZ, and MFWA Information Integrity training. Email: ruth.sekyi@yen.com.gh