Effect of Remarriage and Inheritance Practices on the Psychological Wellbeing of Konkomba Widows in Gushegu Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine effect of widow remarriage and inheritance practices on the psychological wellbeing of Konkomba widows in Gushegu Municipality of Ghana. Phenomenological design was adopted for the study. The study used 20 Konkomba widows using purposive and snowball sampling procedure. Ten family elders were also selected using purposive sampling procedure. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guide and focus-group discussions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that; widows were not allowed to remarry by their own choice but were forced to marry a relative of their late husbands; widows were not given the right to inherit any properties unless they agreed to marry a relative of their late husbands; the remarriage practices affected the psychological wellbeing of the Konkomba widows negatively, It was recommended that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana should, in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs, undertake massive education in the Gushegu Municipality on the widowhood remarriage practices which affect the psychological wellbeing of the women.