The Accra Circuit Court has ordered a businessman to pay GH¢200,000 in damages to a woman for breaching a promise to marry her, following an 11-year relationship.
The dispute arose after the man filed a suit seeking to eject the woman from a two-bedroom apartment located at East Legon, a property he owns. In response, the woman filed a counterclaim, arguing that she had relocated from Dansoman and committed herself to the relationship based on his promise of marriage.
According to court proceedings, the woman told the court that the man had given her a ring and assured her of marriage, actions she said influenced major life decisions, including moving in with him and supporting aspects of his property development. She maintained that the promise created a legitimate expectation of marriage.
In its ruling, the court found sufficient evidence that a promise to marry had been made and subsequently breached. The judge held that the woman had established a beneficial interest in the property under the principle of constructive trust and was therefore entitled to compensation.
The court awarded GH¢50,000 in general damages and GH¢150,000 in compensation, bringing the total judgment to GH¢200,000, in addition to legal costs.
The ruling underscores the legal consequences of broken marital promises in Ghana and highlights the courts’ willingness to apply equitable principles in relationship-related disputes.
