The Accra Circuit Court has ruled that a businessman in his 60s must pay GH¢200,000 to his former partner after breaching a promise to marry her.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Sedinam Kwadam, points to the legal recognition of commitments in long-term relationships and the application of equity in property disputes.

Background of the case

The dispute originated from an 11-year relationship between the businessman and the woman, spanning 2013 to 2024.

Initially, the businessman filed a suit seeking to eject his former lover from a two-bedroom unit in a six-unit property he owned at East Legon, arguing that the apartment belonged solely to him.

At the time the relationship began, the property was still under construction. Evidence presented in court showed that the woman actively supervised and managed the construction, while the businessman, who was not resident in Ghana, remitted funds for the project.

Mystery death of groom shocks wedding guests

By 2017, the apartment was completed and the woman moved in at the businessman’s request. Later, he joined her upon returning to the country.

The countersuit

In response to the ejectment suit, the woman filed a countersuit claiming that the businessman had promised to marry her.

She stated that this promise influenced major life decisions, including leaving her residence in Dansoman and committing fully to the relationship.

Her evidence included:

• The businessman was listed as an in-law during her father’s funeral, contributed financially and wrote a tribute.

• He gave her a ring, which she argued was not a casual gift but a symbol of commitment.

• She served as a foreman on the construction project for four years, overseeing the development of his six-unit house.

As part of the woman’s claims, she sought several forms of relief:

She requested US$40,000 for breach of promise to marry, the right to remain in the two-bedroom unit and retention of a Toyota RAV4 allegedly purchased for her.



Court’s findings

Justice Kwadam examined the evidence and concluded:

1. Existence of a promise to marry

The court found overwhelming evidence that the businessman had indeed promised to marry the woman.

The ring, long-term supervision of the house construction, public recognition as an in-law, and participation in family events all pointed to a clear intention to commit.

2. Breach of promise

The businessman’s termination of the relationship in 2024 constituted a breach, particularly given that both parties are over 60, reducing the defendant’s prospects of finding another suitor after such a long-term commitment.

3. Constructive trust on property

Although the businessman holds legal title to the East Legon property, principles of equity applied. Because the woman contributed significantly to the project, she holds a beneficial interest in the two-bedroom unit.

Her right to continue living in the apartment was therefore upheld, and the ejectment suit was dismissed.

4. Compensation and damages

For the breach of promise to marry, the court awarded:

• GH¢50,000 in general damages

• GH¢150,000 in compensation

Totaling GH¢200,000.

Additionally, the woman retained use of the Toyota RAV4, since the businessman did not specifically request its return, and was awarded GH¢20,000 in legal costs.

Justice Kwadam’s full reasoning is expected to be published on February 24, 2026, which will provide further insight into the legal principles applied in awarding compensation and creating a constructive trust over the property.

Watch as fuel tanker catches fire after accident on Nsawam Accra-Road



AK/AM