A bride price list presented to a taxi driver seeking to marry a pure water seller has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage over the exorbitant demands. The list, shared by X user Elorm_Hood, outlined multiple stages of traditional marriage payments totaling over GH₵ 27,000 (approximately ₦3.2 million), drawing sharp criticism from many who accused the family of trying to sell their daughter.
Details of the Demands
The list began with knocking and acceptance fees, requesting GH₵ 2,000 (₦234,400) plus two bottles of Schnapp for knocking, and the same amount for acceptance. It also demanded 10 crates of bottled mineral drinks. The engagement section required one Bible, one ring, two bottles of whisky, and five crates of mineral drinks.
A separate section called head fee demanded GH₵ 5,000 (₦586,000) plus two bottles of Schnapp. The dowry section carried the highest amount at GH₵ 15,000 (₦1,758,000), along with two bottles of Kasapreko, one Ecolac box set, 12 assorted pieces of clothing, 20 assorted handkerchiefs, 30 panties, 20 underwears, 20 brassieres, five ladies wristwatches, five sprays of lavender perfume, five pairs of shoes, five tins of powder, five hair combs, and one mirror.
Respect Drinks and Thank You Gifts
The respect drinks section asked for GH₵ 2,000 (₦234,400) for the father-in-law, GH₵ 1,000 (₦117,200) for the mother-in-law, and GH₵ 1,000 (₦117,200) for the extended family. It also requested one piece of cloth for the father and one for the mother, plus GH₵ 500 (₦58,600) for the brother-in-law. The final section, thank you and upliftment, demanded two bottles of Schnapp, five crates of mineral drinks, an additional GH₵ 2,000 (₦234,400), and refreshment if provided.
Reactions from Netizens
The post drew mixed reactions, with many criticizing the family for what they described as outrageous demands. User Black God commented, "Marriage that’s supposed to be noko fioo, u want use somebody’s sons money comot trenches." Tuff Seed said, "They are virtually selling her to get the family out of poverty." Sheriff added, "Budget go be like 60k, some families wicked oo."
Others advised the taxi driver to reconsider. Kwabla reacted, "Run away young you are about to feed a whole family." Maxwell added, "So ebi me dey come take care of the whole family Abi." However, some netizens offered different opinions, with Patrick noting that buying the items individually might cost less than the 15,000 Ghana cedis demanded.
The incident has reignited debates about bride price practices in Ghana and Nigeria, with many calling for more reasonable expectations in traditional marriage processes.
