The five-year traditional marriage between Afia Akoto, former MASLOC Deputy CEO, and Chief Biney, a prominent figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has officially ended.
The dissolution was finalized with Afia Akoto presenting the traditional final bottle of Schnapp, a symbolic gesture signifying the end of their union.
The news, which has taken many by surprise given the initial public fascination with their cross-party marriage, was first shared by Nana Amoasi VII of the Institute of Energy Security.
In a social media post, Amoasi described the separation as a “moment of reset” for Chief Biney. “At last,” he wrote, “you can now start from a clean slate after exactly five years.”
Chief Biney confirmed the divorce in a brief statement, saying, “That five-year journey has traditionally and officially ended successfully in Jesus’ name.” He offered no further comment on the reasons for the split.
Theirs was a marriage that initially captured significant media attention. The union of a high-ranking member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Afia Akoto, and a key figure in the opposition NDC, Chief Biney, was seen by some as a symbol of unity in a politically divided nation.
However, the challenges of navigating a relationship across the political aisle ultimately proved insurmountable.
While neither party has publicly disclosed the specific reasons for their separation, speculation is rife. Sources close to the couple suggest that the pressures of maintaining a relationship under constant public scrutiny, coupled with the inherent difficulties of balancing their demanding political careers, contributed to the breakdown of the marriage.
The intense political climate in Ghana, where partisan divisions often run deep, may have also played a role.
The end of their marriage raises questions about the future for both individuals. Afia Akoto, who served as Deputy CEO of MASLOC, is expected to continue her work within the NPP. Chief Biney remains a prominent figure in the NDC and is likely to continue playing an active role in the party.