31 Couples Wedded in Bafoussam

A collective marriage ceremony took place at the Bafoussam I Council on January 10, 2014.

Thirty-one couples in the West Region, last January 10, 2014, celebrated wedlock in a collective ceremony jointly organised by the Regional Delegation for Women Empowerment and the Family in the West Region and the Bafoussam I Council.

The couples whose ages ranged between 32 and 68 years signed their various marriage certificates in a ceremony officiated by the Fifth Deputy Mayor, Jacob Nguini. "These marriages have helped ensure the migration of several citizens from living as concubines to becoming brides and grooms," said the presiding mayor to the couples' friends and relatives who converged at the Bafoussam I Council Hall to be witnesses to the simple civil ceremony.

Even though the traditional attire, consisting of the white bridal outfit and veils for women as well as a three-piece suits for men were virtually absent at the ceremony, the exchange of rings as a demonstration of love between the couples, was visible.

Addressing the 31 couples, Mayor Jacob Nguini said they were not coming to meet and assess one another and to later show that they have accepted one another, but that they were signing to confirm that they already loved and accepted one another. He said the vows taken before the civil status officer emphasised the bond between husband and wife.

Jacob Nguini told them that they have the duty to share responsibilities and support their families according to the means available, adding that the promises made in the presence of witnesses must be respected.

The ceremony ended with gifts from the Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family handed to the couples through the Regional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family, Jean Claude Mzuafo.