Premarital Counseling Practices among Christian and Muslim Lay Counselors in Ghana

Abstract

We examined premarital counseling services offered by Christian and Muslim lay counselors in Ghana. Participants including clergy, Islamic clerics, and laity practicing in four urban centers were interviewed. Thematic analysis showed that common issues covered include medical screening, beliefs and values, expectations, partner knowledge, roles and duties, sex, parenthood, financial management, communication, and conflicts. The findings offer important insight into religious premarital counseling in Ghana and contribute to the global literature on premarital counseling.