A Ghanaian woman was reportedly rushed to hospital after collapsing when she discovered that her husband had allegedly married a second wife without informing her.
The incident was shared on Facebook by Fati Aboni, who said it occurred in Ashaiman.
According to Aboni, the man allegedly spent the day at home with his first wife while the marriage ceremony to his second wife was taking place elsewhere, without informing his first wife of his plans.
She claimed the woman only became aware of the marriage afterwards, became unconscious and was taken to hospital for treatment.
“First wife is at the hospital on admission and second wife is home enjoying her new marriage. My dear brothers, uncles and Fathers, I will plead with you on this issue,” Aboni wrote.
She acknowledged that polygamy is practised in some communities but urged men who intend to marry additional wives to inform their existing spouses or, where that is not possible, notify respected family members who can communicate the decision appropriately.
“Polygamy has become part of us and it has come to stay. Most women have accepted the fact that it has come to stay.
“But we beg you, If you will add another woman as second wife, inform your first wife either a week to the program or even if you can’t tell her, inform the heads of the family, people you know your wife respects so they find a suitable way to put it up to to her.
“But don’t finish with the marriage for the first wife to hear it somewhere as rumors before you confirm it.”
Describing the incident, she wrote:
“This happened in Ashaiman. The second wife marriage happened last week, during the process, the man was home all day with his first wife enjoying happily as they usually do yet the man couldn’t inform her.
“At least he could hv used that as an opportunity to let his wife know that he is bringing in a second wife.
“He kept quiet on the issue and today the wife found out and felt unconscious so she was rushed to the hospital.”
Aboni congratulated the new wife and wished the first wife a speedy recovery. She also encouraged Muslim women to recognise that polygamy is permitted under Islamic law, while expressing the view that doing so could help them better prepare emotionally if such situations arise.
The account has not been independently verified, and the identities of those involved were not disclosed.
