An Islamic marriage ceremony which was set to take place during the weekend has been postponed indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic.

The groom, Haruna Alhassan and bride Abida Mohammed Sani have been planning their March 22 Islamic wedding for weeks now but, unfortunately, because of coronavirus, they have had to cancel everything.

In consultations Wednesday, the families agreed to give time a chance as the country continues to institutes measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Ms Abida, the bride was happy with the decision taken by both families considering the number of people who will be becoming to the event from across the country.

"We can't risk our guests being exposed to infection which is not written on our foreheads,” she said.

As a trained nurse, Ms Abida said it will be wrong, following years of training to continue with the wedding and become the source of the spread of a serious health condition in Ghana.

The groom, Haruna Alhassan is not worried either. "I feel okay - remember safety is our priority," he said.

While he is not worried about the cost already incurred, it will be difficult to explain to guests.

"Some of our guests have already prepared for the event and it has to take a good time to explain to them. In fact, we have really disappointed them but who knows, Allah knows best," he says.

Alhassan and Abida say they would reimburse every service provider who was engaged for the ceremony.

They have pledged to put together a magnificent event after Ghana is able to contain the spread of the disease.

The ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, along with recommendations by various officials to avoid large crowds, is putting many public activities on hold.

Government announced earlier this week directed that all events, with more than 25 people should be cancelled for the next four weeks. 

This undoubtedly will affect weddings and other ceremonies in the country.

For days, Alhassan and Abida families have been grasping with heightening concerns about the coronavirus, and the increased urgency to practice social distancing.

The recommendations by government will certainly draw a line for event organisers and more couples who will be compelled to reschedule their upcoming marriages. 

We spoke to Master of Ceremony (MC) who handles several Islamic marriages in the Zango communities who says marriage ceremonies are still being held.

According to Seba Ibrahim, brides and grooms plan their wedding months in advance. During this time, the venue, planner and vendors are booked. 

The challenge in postponing them will be to pay those service providers vendors again.

To avoid this problem, Ibrahim advises brides to opt for a very small gathering.