Resident Pastor of the Universal Gospel Church, Reverend Daniel Annan, has stirred conversation with a bold assertion that anyone who hopes to “live well on earth and die successfully” must prioritise marriage.

Speaking on Let’s Talk on Joy Prime, hosted by Asieduwaa Akumia, Rev. Annan explained that marriage is not only essential but divinely designed to anchor people in purpose.

His comments came during a discussion on whether the grief of a married man over the death of his spouse should matter.

“Marriage is God’s ideal, and it’s God’s idea. So, if you want to live on this planet well and die successfully, marry,” he stated.

According to him, the institution of marriage existed even before sin entered the world, underscoring its spiritual significance.

Rev. Annan was firm in condemning extramarital affairs, describing them as illegitimate relationships that should never compete with the priority of one’s marriage. He urged couples and individuals to commit fully to their unions.

He added that even those who may have entered relationships with the wrong motives can still find redemption.

“Even if your motive in getting into the relationship was wrong, there’s always fine-tuning through God to bring you back in line,” he said.

The pastor further encouraged the public to formalise their unions rather than normalise arrangements that fall outside lawful marriage.

According to him, couples who take genuine steps toward marriage can seek God’s blessing for a stronger foundation.

Counselling Psychologist and ADR Practitioner, Counselor Perfect, who also contributed to the discussion, noted that grief is not a uniform experience.

She stressed the need for sensitivity, explaining that individuals process loss differently and deserve compassion regardless of the circumstances.

She also urged women to support one another and avoid relationships with married men, warning that “whatever you do to others will be done to you.”