The Accra Circuit Court has ordered a man, Vince Kontoh, to pay GH¢200,000 in damages to a woman, Ernestina Torgbor, after he failed to honour his promise to marry her following the end of their relationship.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam, a High Court judge with additional responsibilities at the Circuit Court.
The case began when Kontoh sued Torgbor, seeking her eviction from a property they jointly occupied. In response, Torgbor filed a counterclaim, accusing Kontoh of breaching his promise of marriage after their romantic relationship ended.
After hearing evidence from both sides, Justice Kwadam ruled that both parties have an interest in the property. She dismissed Kontoh’s claim for eviction in its entirety.
“The Plaintiff’s claim for ejectment is dismissed in its entirety. Judgment is entered for the Defendant on her counterclaim for breach of promise to marry,” the court held.
The judge awarded Torgbor GH¢200,000 as compensation for the breach.
The decision underscores the courts’ recognition of enforceable personal commitments in relationships, particularly where one party relies on a promise of marriage that is later broken, leading to emotional and financial harm.
The case has drawn attention for highlighting the legal consequences of failing to honour such promises in Ghanaian law. Kontoh is required to comply with the payment order, failing which further enforcement steps may be taken.
