Former Kumasi Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof Osei Sarfo-Kantanka, has underscored the indispensable role of women in marriage, asserting that the achievements of married men are often shaped by the unseen sacrifices and contributions of their wives.
Prof Osei Sarfo-Kantanka has described his wife as the unseen Push Husband Through (PhD) that pushed him through life’s toughest seasons, declaring that no man can truly claim success without acknowledging the silent sacrifices of the woman by his side.
The respected clergyman made the remarks at the Fireproof Marriage Seminar, organised by the Bishop Kantanka Teaching and Learning Institute (BKTLI) to commemorate the 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Mrs. Mary Sarfo-Kantanka.
The event, held in Kumasi, brought together seasoned marriage counsellors, Christian leaders and scores of young people who came to draw lessons from the couple’s enduring legacy, a rarity in today’s Ghanaian society.
“My wife is part of my success story. Without her, I would not be who I am today. She is the PhD behind my academic and ministerial journey,” he said to resounding applause.
A Village Boy’s Journey to the Top
Recounting his own humble beginnings, Bishop Sarfo-Kantanka shared how a “village boy” from difficult circumstances rose through academic and spiritual ranks with the unflinching support of his wife. Together, they weathered financial struggles, academic hurdles and ministry challenges.
“There were days we had nothing and yet she never complained. She carried the burdens with me. That is why I say women are part of men’s success stories.”
The Bishop warned against marriages driven by mere attraction or social status, urging couples to rediscover God’s original assignment in marriage:
“Marriage must be purpose-driven, not self-serving.”
Marriage Must Be Fireproofed
He cautioned that marriage is not self-sustaining and must be constantly “fireproofed” through faith, communication, forgiveness and shared vision. As part of his golden jubilee celebrations, he announced that the Fireproof Marriage Seminar would become an annual event to strengthen unions and mentor the next generation.
While Bishop Sarfo-Kantanka’s testimony provided a deeply personal perspective, other speakers at the seminar unpacked practical lessons on building strong marriages.
Opening the seminar, Rev. Vincent Acquaah, a seasoned marriage counsellor and lecturer at Calvary Charismatic Church (CCC), Ayigya, reminded participants that marriage was an assignment, not a mere social contract.
“Marriage is not self-sustainable; it must be protected daily,” he said.
He added that couples must align with God’s purpose and remain committed to mutual responsibility, noting that attraction alone is never enough.
For his part, Architect Kofi Owusu stressed that while love may ignite a relationship, covenant and character sustain it.
“Character multiplies in marriage. Who you are before marriage becomes multiplied when you marry. Covenant is what binds you when feelings fluctuate,” he advised.
He urged couples to treat marriage not as a trial-and-error partnership, but as a sacred covenant requiring integrity, faithfulness, and daily nurturing.
Adding a youthful perspective, Theresa F.A.A. Dedu, a marriage coach, cautioned singles against rushing into unions out of fear of loneliness.
“Singleness is not a curse. It is a season to discover yourself and build capacity. Do not marry because of pressure, marry because of purpose,” she said.
Her remarks struck a chord with many young attendees, who were urged to see marriage not as a quick escape, but as a lifelong commitment rooted in maturity and vision.
A Legacy for the Next Generation
The seminar concluded with a reaffirmation of Bishop Sarfo-Kantanka’s central message: marriage thrives when it is anchored on faith, purpose, and mutual sacrifice.
As he and his wife marked 50 years of love, trials, and triumphs, the Bishop left participants with a charge: “Protect your marriage. Nurture it. Fireproof it. For in the end the greatest testimony of success is not titles or wealth, but the legacy of a faithful union.”
With the launch of the annual Fireproof Marriage Seminar, the Bishop hopes his golden jubilee will not only celebrate a personal milestone, but also inspire a new generation to build marriages that can withstand the fires of life.
