Accra: Founder and leader of Anointed Palace Chapel (APC), Rev Obofour, recently voiced his concerns about the challenges faced by African women in marriage. He highlighted issues surrounding childbirth, divorce, and inheritance during a sermon to his congregation.
According to Ghana Web, the preacher lamented that many women dedicate their lives to supporting their families but are often left with nothing when their husbands pass away or marriages fail. He emphasized that women invest years of sacrifice into their marriages, yet they are denied recognition for their contributions when such relationships dissolve.
Rev Obofour expressed sympathy for African women, stating, “I feel pity for women in Africa. They will get married, put all their time and effort into the marriage and then give birth. By the time she realises, her husband will die and the family members will fight her for the properties. If the husband doesn’t die and they divorce, the man will say she didn’t do anything but only him who achieved everything.”
He further discussed the physical and emotional burdens women endure during pregnancy and childbirth, noting that these sacrifices are often overlooked. “She will be pregnant for nine months, then go into labour. If your account is to be deducted by the suffering the women go through, you will be left with nothing,” he added.
Drawing from his own experience, Rev Obofour shared how he recently struggled with a growing stomach, which gave him a glimpse into the discomfort pregnant women experience. “Just this past few days that my tummy is growing big, I could barely breathe. I had to try and exercise for it to go down,” he recounted.
The preacher also urged Ghanaians to move away from a selfish mindset and adopt a culture of mutual support and fairness. “If you’re building your life and you put in your mind that each one for himself and you have to survive, the technical thinking of slavery will be cut off,” he stated.
Rev Obofour criticized the tendency to accept the views of older people automatically while dismissing those of the youth. He argued that age should not be equated with wisdom, as some elderly individuals can be dishonest or offer poor guidance. “The old can kill, lie and some can’t give positive advice. Pray to God that you will meet someone to do life with you peacefully till you go far. Not the hypocrites who will pretend to be with us,” he concluded.