An Accra Circuit Court has ordered a businessman in his 60s to pay a total of GHC200,000 in compensation to his former lover after finding that he breached a promise to marry her.
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The case, which was presided over by Justice Sedinam Kwadam, began as an ejectment suit filed by the businessman seeking to remove the woman from a two-bedroom apartment located in East Legon. However, the matter took a different turn after the woman filed a countersuit alleging breach of promise to marry.
Evidence before the court showed that the parties were involved in an amorous relationship spanning about 11 years, from 2013 to 2024. At the time the relationship began, the East Legon property, a six-unit apartment building, was still under construction. The businessman, who was not resident in Ghana at the time, provided funding for the project, while the woman supervised and managed the construction works for about four years.
Upon completion of the building, the businessman asked the woman to move into one of the two-bedroom units in 2017. He later joined her when he returned to Ghana, and the two lived together for about nine years.
In her countersuit, the woman told the court that the businessman had promised to marry her, a promise which influenced her decision to leave her residence in Dansoman and fully commit to the relationship. She presented evidence that the businessman had openly associated himself with her family, including being introduced as an in-law during her father’s funeral, contributing financially, and writing a tribute. She also stated that he gave her a ring and appointed her as a foreman on the construction project.
As part of her reliefs, the woman sought US$40,000 for breach of promise to marry, the right to continue occupying the two-bedroom apartment, and retention of a Toyota RAV4 allegedly purchased for her.
In delivering judgment, Justice Kwadam held that there was overwhelming evidence of a promise to marry. The court found that the ring was not a casual gift but was intended to signify commitment and discourage other suitors. The judge further noted that the businessman’s conduct, including his public acceptance as an in-law and the woman’s long-term supervision of his property, clearly demonstrated intent to marry.
The court held that the businessman’s decision to terminate the relationship in 2024 amounted to a breach of that promise. Justice Kwadam also observed that both parties were above 60 years old and that the woman’s prospects of finding another suitor had diminished after spending 11 years in the relationship.
On the issue of the East Legon property, the court ruled that although the businessman held legal title, principles of equity applied. The court imposed a constructive trust and held that the woman had a beneficial interest in the two-bedroom unit due to her contributions. As a result, the ejectment suit was dismissed, and the woman was entitled to continue living in the apartment.
For the breach of promise to marry, the court awarded GHC50,000 in general damages and GHC150,000 in compensation, bringing the total award to GHC200,000. An additional GHC20,000 was awarded as costs in favour of the woman.
The court also ruled that since the businessman did not specifically request the return of the Toyota RAV4, the woman would continue to use the vehicle.
The full reasoning of the judgment is expected to be made available on February 24.
