Why court ordered businessman to pay GH¢200,000 for breach of promise to marry

An Accra Circuit Court has ordered a businessman in his 60s to pay GH¢200,000 in damages to his former partner for breaching a promise to marry her, following the breakdown of their 11-year relationship.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Sedinam Kwadam, underscores the legal recognition of commitments arising from long-term relationships and the application of equitable principles in property disputes.

Background

The dispute stemmed from a relationship between the parties that lasted from 2013 to 2024.

The businessman initially filed a suit seeking to eject the woman from a two-bedroom apartment within a six-unit property he owns at East Legon, arguing that the property belonged solely to him.

At the time the relationship began, the property was under construction. Evidence before the court showed that while the businessman — who was not resident in Ghana, provided funds for the project, the woman supervised and managed the construction works on the ground.

The apartment was completed in 2017, after which the woman moved in at the businessman’s request. He later joined her upon his return to Ghana.

Countersuit

In response to the ejectment action, the woman filed a countersuit, claiming that the businessman had promised to marry her and that she had relied on that promise in making significant life decisions.

She told the court that she left her residence in Dansoman and committed fully to the relationship based on the assurance of marriage.

Among the evidence presented were claims that:

• 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 symbolised a formal commitment rather than a casual gift.
• She served as a foreman on the construction project for four years, overseeing the development of the six-unit property.
The woman sought US$40,000 in damages for breach of promise to marry, the right to remain in the two-bedroom apartment and retention of a Toyota RAV4 she said had been purchased for her.

Court’s Findings

Justice Kwadam made the following key findings:
Existence of a Promise to Marry

The court found overwhelming evidence that the businessman had indeed promised to marry the woman. The ring, her long-term supervision of the construction project, public recognition as an in-law and his participation in family events were held to demonstrate a clear intention to commit.

Breach of Promise

The court held that the businessman’s termination of the relationship in 2024 amounted to a breach of that promise. It further noted that both parties are over 60 years old, a factor considered relevant in assessing the impact of the broken commitment.

Constructive Trust Over Property

Although the businessman holds legal title to the East Legon property, the court applied equitable principles, finding that the woman’s significant contribution to the construction created a beneficial interest in the two-bedroom unit.

Her right to continue occupying the apartment was therefore upheld, and the businessman’s ejectment suit was dismissed.

Damages and Compensation

For breach of promise to marry, the court awarded:
• GH¢50,000 in general damages
• GH¢150,000 in compensation
bringing the total award to GH¢200,000.

The woman was also allowed to retain use of the Toyota RAV4, as the businessman did not specifically seek 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, and is anticipated to provide further clarity on the legal basis for the award of damages and the establishment of a constructive trust over the property.