Entertainment pundit Nana Frimpong Ziega has weighed in on the long-standing tradition of women adopting their husbands’ surnames after marriage.
Expressing strong reservations about the practice.
During a discussion on Neat FM, which surfaced on Instagram on March 4, 2025, he emphasized that this norm often works against women, particularly in the event of a divorce.
According to him, changing one’s surname can lead to an identity crisis.
Making it difficult to reclaim one’s original name and complicating official documentation processes.
Using the examples of renowned Ghanaian gospel musicians Empress Gifty and Obaapa Christy.
Nana Frimpong Ziega pointed out how these celebrated artists continue to grapple with the consequences of changing their names.
He observed that despite parting ways with their former spouses, many still associate them with their previous married names—Empress Gifty with “Gifty Osei” and Obaapa Christy with “Christiana Love.”
“If a woman is getting married, she does not change the name that was given to her by her father to that of her husband.
Because Obaapa Christy and Empress Gifty are suffering from an identity crisis.
A lot of people still call them by their former names, yet those are no longer their identities,” he explained.
He further noted that the bureaucratic hurdles women face when trying to revert to their maiden names
Such as swearing affidavits and amending official records-only add to the emotional and legal strain of separation.
My daughters will never take their husbands’ surnames
Taking a firm personal stance, Nana Frimpong Ziega declared that he would never allow his daughters to adopt their husbands’ names.
“There is no daughter of mine who would take her husband’s surname.
I don’t know the husband from anywhere, and he is not my blood.
So what happens just in case the two get divorced?” he questioned.
His sentiments have sparked widespread discussion, with some agreeing that a woman’s surname is tied to her personal and professional identity.
While others argue that adopting a spouse’s name symbolizes unity in marriage.
As conversations around gender equality and personal identity evolve, Nana Frimpong Ziega’s stance adds another layer to the debate.
Should women continue changing their surnames in marriage, or is it time to break away from this tradition?
