The Accra Circuit Court has delivered a significant ruling that requires a businessman in his sixties to pay GH¢200,000 to his former partner for violating a promise to marry her. The decision, made by Justice Sedinam Kwadam, underscores the legal system’s recognition of commitments made during long-term relationships.
The case emerged from a relationship lasting more than a decade, from 2013 to 2024, during which the couple shared various life experiences. Initially, the businessman sought to evict his ex-partner from a two-bedroom apartment he owned in East Legon, arguing that he was the sole proprietor of the property. At the commencement of their relationship, the building was still under construction, with the woman playing a critical role in overseeing the project while the businessman, based abroad, provided financial support.
By 2017, the apartment was finished, and the woman moved in at the businessman’s invitation. Eventually, he returned to Ghana and joined her in the residence. However, the situation escalated when the woman responded to the eviction suit by filing her own claim, asserting that the businessman had pledged to marry her, a promise that significantly influenced her life decisions, including relocating from Dansoman.
To support her claims, she presented several pieces of evidence: she highlighted the businessman’s presence at her father’s funeral, where he was acknowledged as an in-law, as well as his financial contributions and a tribute he wrote. Additionally, the woman argued that a ring he gifted her was not merely a token but a serious commitment to their future together. Her role as a foreman during the construction process further demonstrated her investment in their shared life.
In her countersuit, she sought various forms of relief, including US$40,000 for the breach of promise, the right to stay in the apartment, and the retention of a Toyota RAV4 vehicle that was allegedly purchased for her.
Upon reviewing the evidence, Justice Kwadam reached several conclusions. Firstly, the court acknowledged the existence of a clear promise to marry, supported by the evidence of the ring, her management of the property, and the recognition of their relationship in family contexts. Secondly, the court ruled that the businessman’s decision to end the relationship constituted a breach of this promise, especially considering their age and the diminished likelihood of seeking new relationships after such a long commitment.
Furthermore, while the businessman owned the legal title to the East Legon property, the court applied equitable principles, determining that the woman had a beneficial interest in the apartment due to her substantial contributions. Consequently, she was allowed to continue residing there, and the eviction suit was dismissed.
In terms of financial restitution, the court awarded GH¢50,000 as general damages and GH¢150,000 as compensation for the breach, totaling GH¢200,000. The woman was also permitted to keep the Toyota RAV4 since the businessman did not request its return, and she was awarded GH¢20,000 in legal fees.
A detailed explanation of Justice Kwadam’s ruling is expected to be available on February 24, 2026, offering deeper insights into the legal principles applied in this landmark case.
