Judge rules 11-year relationship created binding commitment, awards damages and recognises woman’s beneficial interest in East Legon property
An Accra Circuit Court has ordered a businessman to pay GH¢200,000 in damages for breaching a promise to marry after terminating an 11-year relationship that evolved into a financial and domestic partnership.
In a ruling that underscores the legal weight courts may attach to long-term romantic commitments, the Court entered judgment in favour of Ms Ernestina Torgbor on her counterclaim against Mr Vince Kontoh.
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Presiding over the matter, Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam—a High Court Judge sitting with additional responsibility as a Circuit Court Judge—awarded GH¢50,000 in general damages and GH¢150,000 as compensation for breach of promise to marry.
The Court further ordered Mr Kontoh to pay interest at prevailing commercial bank rates on the amount from February 16, along with GH¢20,000 in additional costs.
Property Rights Recognised
Beyond the monetary award, the Court declared that Ms Torgbor holds a beneficial interest in a two-bedroom apartment at East Legon, directing that she continue using a Toyota RAV4 vehicle and an industrial blender, as no competing claim had been established over them.
The parties were also instructed to regularise her interest in a six-unit, two-bedroom apartment block in East Legon—property financed during the relationship.
The case began when Mr Kontoh filed a writ seeking to eject Ms Torgbor from the apartment following the breakdown of their relationship. She resisted the claim and counter-sued for breach of promise to marry.
A Relationship Built on Assurances
Court documents indicate that the couple began their relationship in 2013 while Mr Kontoh lived abroad and Ms Torgbor remained in Ghana. Over time, he financed industrial machinery, a vehicle, and the construction of a six-unit apartment complex. He also contributed to the education of her children.
Ms Torgbor supervised the construction project and managed funds remitted for the development. Upon completion in 2017, she relocated from Dansoman to East Legon at Mr Kontoh’s request.
Evidence presented showed that Mr Kontoh gave Ms Torgbor a ring, publicly described himself as her “in-law” during her father’s funeral, wrote a tribute, made donations, and participated in traditional rites—conduct the Court deemed consistent with a firm marital commitment.
Although Mr Kontoh admitted presenting the ring, he argued it was merely intended to “ward off male attention” and denied making any binding promise of marriage.
Court: Promise Was Serious and Unequivocal
In its determination, the Court found that the totality of evidence—including long-term cohabitation, financial interdependence, public acknowledgment and Ms Torgbor’s personal sacrifices—established a serious and unequivocal promise to marry.
Justice Kwadam described the explanation regarding the ring as unconvincing and held that equity required protection of Ms Torgbor’s beneficial interest in the property, even though legal ownership remained with Mr Kontoh.
The Court dismissed the ejectment claim and ruled that the breach entitled Ms Torgbor to damages.
Wider Social Implications
In her remarks, Justice Kwadam noted that the ruling touches on an issue of growing social and legal relevance in Ghana, where long-term relationships increasingly involve shared investments, emotional labour and economic contributions absent formal marriage.
While promises of marriage may often be informal, the Court observed, their breach can carry significant emotional and financial consequences—particularly where one party has demonstrably relied on them to their detriment.
The judgment adds to a developing body of case law recognising equitable interests arising from modern domestic partnerships, reinforcing the principle that reliance and contribution, not merely legal title, can shape property rights.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on February 17, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
