"Sasasa'ah? Ngor-ngor-ngong!" - Couples Scramble for Free Marriage Certificates at the Mbengwi Council

"Sasasa'ah? Ngor-ngor-ngong!" - Couples Scramble for Free Marriage Certificates at the Mbengwi Council 

They were 45 in number according to a source at the council, drawn from within and without the municipality. They came in pairs, accompanied by witnesses, relatives and friends to legalise their union. Some had been living together for donkey years as couples without any official document, reason why both old and young couples took advantage of the free obtainment of marriage certificates to register for the legalisation of their union. 

Friday March 5th 2021 was an exceptional day in the life of the Mbengwi Council as the town (council) hall, beautifully decorated with national colours (green, red, yellow) was filled to maximum capacity. There wasn't any space left to swing a cat. The couples too were dressed in old and newly sewn dresses ("compley-compley/ashuabi"), costume that clearly depicted the state of the union. 

Family Photo After the Issuance of Marriage Certificates to the Couples

Addressing the excited couples before commencing the signing exercise, the mayor of the Mbengwi Council Ndangsa Kennedy Akam told them that the partner that made this dream come true, Inades Formation, has subsidised the total cost of the solemnisation. As such, he called on them to thereafter encourage their peers as ambassadors to follow suit because it's very important considering that there are still many others out there who are still living in illegality. 

Ndangsa also schooled the men and women, boys and girls on the process of obtaining birth certificates, clarifying that it's totally free within three months after the baby is delivered. Then he added  that however, Inades Formation also plans to subsidise the obtainment of birth and death certificates for those who have financial difficulties considering the poverty situation in Cameroon. 

Decor of the Hall with National Colours 

As the people's representative, the mayor confirmed he's aware of the fear some persons have in the suburbs as concerns coming to Mbengwi central town to obtain such legal certificates. He requested such persons to always call him or the Divisional Officer in case they fall in the hands of the military on their way to the council to come engage the process of obtaining such official documents. "The D.O here seated and myself are ready to intervene in the cases of people wanting to live life like complete Cameroonian citizens" were the mayor's words. Unfortunately, he didn't give any contact number. 

Lastly the mayor insisted that the couples must know that the document they shall obtain is not a whip to use on their spouse. Prior to these his last words, he schooled them on the importance of a marriage certificate and divorce. On the former, he said "Keep the document jealously. You're the first legal successor of your spouse in case of death only through a marriage certificate"

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor, Mbengwi Council Officiating the Signing Exercise 

Then talking about the latter, divorce, he said "During my mandate, we pray to God that after this solemnisation, there should never be a couple seeking for divorce." Prior to this wish, he had counselled them on challenges in marriage and how to overcome such. "There's no home without problems" he insisted. "In case of any, come to the council to seek advice though the best option is for both of you to resolve it in your room" he ended.

After the mayor's address was a word from Madam Fonocho Regina, seating in for the Momo Divisional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family. She began by first congratulating the couples for the decision to solemnise their marriage. Then talking about her office, she said there, women are taught skills like how to make soap, vinegar, animal feed etc to empower them.

Denis & Deserine, Couple

George & Fallon, Couple

Mr. Claude Sango is the Project Manager of Inades Formation. He too just like the precious speakers was given the floor to say a word. He explained that the goal of the project they're executing is to increase the number of persons with civil statues documents (birth, death, marriage certificates). In appreciating the cordial collaboration the organisation enjoyed with the Mbengwi to execute the project, he said "We've approached many councils for this initiative but haven't had a breakthrough like was the case with the Mbengwi Council that accepted to remove the major cost of obtaining marriage certificates." He thanked the couples too for taking the courage and initiative to answer the solemnisation call.

Sakwe Jarvis Essapa, the Divisional Officer of Mbengwi while ending the speech making part of the program said he likes when people come together to recognise and identify themselves to be legally married. He described marriage as "The only school were certificates are awarded without any training session." To him, "The man is the head of the family but the wife is the boss of the house." As such, to avoid clashes, it's always good for each others opinion to be sorted before taking any decision. Talking from experience, he said"I've been in the business for 10 years and understand the advantages in it."

Muslim Couple

Harrow Yaya Abubakar

While preparing their minds especially those of the young couples, the administrative officer, speaking like a counselor said "The things that come with problems in marriage mostly stem from in-laws, family and finances." For this reason, he advised that credit should always be given to the other partner for every donation in the in-law's family. That is, if the man has something to give to his parents, it should be done through his wife. Let the wife take the credit and same applies if it's the woman also wanting to reach out to her family, such should be channeled through the husband. As such both will command more respect from their in-laws. 

Amongst all the couples, just one signed polygamy, joint property. Many were surprised to see a Muslim couple also show up for the signing. Both Harrow Yaya Abubakar and Amadou Ramatou Jallow went in for monogamy, joint property. Speaking to Mbengwi Online at the end of the legalisation process, Yaya Abubakar expressed joy.  Hear him, "I decided as such because I don't want disturbances in my life. In case of anything, the certificate will back us up." Asked if another woman comes now won't he accept? He said no, because Ramatou is okay for him, the way he wants. Lastly, he beckoned on his wife to take care of herself and not do anything outside without his knowledge. 

Couples, Witnesses, Relatives & Friends

The mass legalisation of marriages is a project to increase civil statues registration in the North West Region of Cameroon organised by Inades Formation Bamenda in collaboration with the Mbengwi Council, financed by Active Citizenship Strengthening Program (PROCIVIS). Normally, each couple spends roughly the sum of forty thousand francs to obtain a marriage certificate from the Mbengwi Council but through this project, obtainment was completely free of charge as Inades Formation bore the cost.  All certainly went well during the signing but we later learnt some of the couples that had been practicing "Kam We Stay" rushed for the certificates without first of all doing traditional marriage rites, allegations we can't independently confirm.