Pastor Nana Sei Opoku-Sarkodie Announces He Will Take Bank Statements Before Blessing Marriages
- Pastor Nanasei Opoku-Sarkodie sparked massive online reactions with a bold addition to his marriage counselling curriculum, prompting widespread discussion
- While preaching on marriage, the Ghanaian preacher stressed how many couples get carried away with lavish weddings, often ending up with nothing for their household
- Pastor Opoku-Sarkodie said he would review couples’ bank statements during counselling, aiming to guide young couples away from social and financial pressures
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Pastor Nanasei Opoku-Sarkodie, founder and leader of Potter's City, is sparking discussions online with a bold approach aimed at guiding young couples toward financial responsibility.
Source: Instagram
His latest initiative has drawn attention for its unusual but practical approach to preparing couples for marriage.
In a TikTok video seen by YEN.com.gh, Pastor Opoku-Sarkodie announced that he would require prospective couples to submit their bank statements before he blesses their unions.
This measure forms part of a broader effort to ensure that couples 'live within their means' and avoid falling into financial strain after they have tied the knot.
The pastor explained that many young couples succumb to social pressures, hosting lavish weddings funded by loans or credit, only to face financial hardships immediately afterwards.
“Sometimes many end up not being able to even afford rent,” he noted, emphasising that preparation is key to sustaining a stable home.
"They finish their lavish wedding and are only left with GH₵ 5,000 in their accounts," Pastor Sarkodie lamented.
By reviewing bank statements, the pastor believes he can assess the couple’s readiness for the responsibilities of marriage beyond the ceremonial celebrations.
Watch the Facebook video below.
Pastor urges caution before extravagant marriage planning
According to Pastor Opoku-Sarkodie, the initiative is not meant to discourage weddings but to promote prudent financial planning.
He encouraged couples to evaluate their actual resources beforehand and plan celebrations that aligned with their economic means.
Social media responses have varied, with some applauding the practical guidance and others debating whether such scrutiny is necessary before a spiritual blessing.
The Potter's City leader maintained that financial preparedness was inseparable from long-term marital stability.
His approach seeks to prevent young couples from entering marriage under pressure, ensuring that their new homes start on a solid foundation.
The video has sparked discussions about the intersection of faith, financial literacy, and marriage in contemporary society.
Relationship expert: Marriage without money is problematic
A relationship counsellor, Rose Aboagyewaa Agyeiwaa, told YEN.com.gh that there is a need for strong finances in marriage.
She disclosed that relationships in which the man is unable to provide adequately for the family often experience problems.
“If you want to enjoy your marriage, finances play a big role. Marriages where couples are not financially stable tend to become boring. This often brings about disagreements and quarrels over even small issues.”
Source: UGC
Duncan-Williams clarifies wedding advice for bachelors
Meanwhile, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has also offered clarity on his recent comments, where he advised bachelors without GH¢100,000 in their accounts who plan to hold a wedding.
In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh on TikTok from TV3, the founder of Action Chapel International said he was not surprised his comment became topical.
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.
He opened up about instances where young people came to him seeking help to get married, only to be turned away because he realised they were unprepared for the task ahead.
"And so many people come to see me for help, to marry, and I tell them, no, you can't marry, you don't have what it takes. You don't give them the money? No, I won't. Why? I won't give you money, because if you don't have money, why are you going to marry? Marriage is a responsibility."
At the time of writing this report, the video had generated a lot of reactions.
Watch the TikTok video below:
Duncan-Williams concluded by saying his earlier comments were not meant to discourage people from getting married but to emphasise that those desiring to be wed should do so within their means.
He also advised parents against giving money to their children to organise weddings, stating that their investment should instead be put in a savings account instead.
"A man is one who has come of age, one who is responsible. Not a boy. Boys are dependent, but men are independent. So if you are not a man, it means you are not responsible. You haven't planned, saved, prepared; you are not qualified to marry. And I don't think that even parents who can afford to pay for the weddings of their kids should encourage that.
"If you want to give them money, put it in a savings account to help them. Do something simple and let them begin their lives with something in their account. Because a lot of people are marrying, just going around begging and borrowing money and becoming beggars. And it is not healthy. So the GH¢100,000 was just a statement I made," he explained.
Elderly man advises youth against marriage
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that an elderly man opined that marriage did not benefit men, and if they wanted long and peaceful lives, they should not tie the knot.
Speaking in a video, he explained that marriage overburdens men with responsibilities, while women are positioned as beneficiaries, claiming that this causes depression.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
