Accra Circuit Court Awards GHS 200,000 for Breach of Promise to Marry in Landmark Ruling
An Accra Circuit Court has awarded GHS 200,000 in damages to a woman whose 11-year relationship ended after her partner reneged on a promise to marry, in a ruling that underscores the legal consequences of failed engagements and affirms equitable property rights arising from long-term relationships.
Ms. Ernestina Torgbor succeeded in a counterclaim for breach of promise to marry against Mr. Vince Kontoh. The case was presided over by Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam, a High Court Judge sitting with additional responsibility as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Court awarded GHS 50,000 as general damages and GHS 150,000 as compensation, with interest to accrue from February 16, 2026, at prevailing commercial bank rates. Mr. Kontoh was also ordered to pay GHS 20,000 in legal costs.
Beyond the monetary award, the Court recognised Ms. Torgbor’s beneficial interest in a two-bedroom apartment located at East Legon and affirmed her right to continue using a Toyota RAV4 vehicle and an industrial blender, assets Mr. Kontoh did not contest. Both parties were further directed to take steps to regularise her interest in a six-unit apartment block at East Legon.
The dispute arose after Mr. Kontoh sought to eject Ms. Torgbor from the East Legon property following the breakdown of their relationship. Ms. Torgbor resisted the action, contending that Mr. Kontoh had made repeated promises to marry her, upon which she had relied to her detriment.
Evidence before the Court showed that the relationship began in 2013, at a time when Mr. Kontoh was living abroad and Ms. Torgbor was based in Ghana. During the course of the relationship, Mr. Kontoh financed the acquisition of industrial machinery, a vehicle, the education of Ms. Torgbor’s children, and the construction of a six-unit apartment block, which Ms. Torgbor supervised. She later relocated to East Legon in 2017 at Mr. Kontoh’s request.
The Court also considered evidence that Mr. Kontoh presented Ms. Torgbor with a ring, publicly referred to himself as her “in-law” during her father’s funeral, wrote tributes, made donations, and actively participated in funeral rites, conduct the Court found consistent with an intention to marry.
While Mr. Kontoh admitted giving her the ring, he argued it was intended merely to deter attention from other men. Ms. Torgbor, however, maintained that the ring and Mr. Kontoh’s conduct amounted to a serious commitment. She told the Court she relied on his assurances of marriage, rejected other suitors, and devoted her time, resources, and emotional support to the relationship.
In its judgment, the Court held that the cumulative evidence established a binding promise to marry. It further ruled that Ms. Torgbor’s contributions to the development and management of the properties created a beneficial interest, warranting protection of her equitable rights and defeating Mr. Kontoh’s claim for ejectment.
Justice Kwadam described the decision as one of social and legal significance, noting that it reflects contemporary realities where individuals commit substantial labour, resources, and emotional investment in relationships on the strength of promises of marriage.
