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FESTUS ANIM ADDO VRS EVA ANIM ADDO

Case

by HIS HONOUR KWESI APPIATSE ABAIDOO

Jurisdiction

HIGH COURT

Judge

HIS HONOUR KWESI APPIATSE ABAIDOO

Catalog Type

Case

Judgement Date

Oct 07, 2024

Summary

The petitioner, an engineer with the Volta River Authority (VRA), filed an amended petition on 8th December 2022 seeking the dissolution of his marriage and custody of the parties’ 17-year-old son. In response, the respondent filed an answer and cross-petition on 20th January 2023, also praying for dissolution of the marriage on the ground that it had broken down beyond reconciliation. Additionally, she sought financial provision for the maintenance of the children, settlement of matrimonial properties, allocation of certain vehicles, and alimony. The parties were married under the Ordinance on 27th May 2000 at Madina, Accra, and have three children, now aged 22, 19, and 18. During the marriage, the petitioner was the primary financial provider, acquiring several properties and vehicles. The respondent, initially a hairdresser, was supported and set up in business by the petitioner. The marriage was initially harmonious but deteriorated following the petitioner’s serious health condition, which affected his ability to engage in marital relations and altered the dynamics of the relationship. The petitioner alleged neglect, denial of intimacy, and suspected infidelity on the part of the respondent, while the respondent denied these claims and accused the petitioner of abandoning the matrimonial home. Both parties acknowledged failed attempts at reconciliation through family and religious interventions. The court identified three key issues: whether the marriage had broken down beyond reconciliation, whether the properties acquired were matrimonial property, and matters relating to custody and maintenance of the children. On the first issue, the court held that the marriage had indeed broken down beyond reconciliation under section 2(1)(f) of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1971 (Act 367), as both parties were unable to resolve their differences despite diligent efforts. Accordingly, the marriage was dissolved. Regarding property distribution, the court considered the evolution of Ghanaian law, particularly Article 22 of the 1992 Constitution and relevant case law, which establish that property acquired during marriage is presumed to be jointly owned and subject to equitable distribution. However, the court distinguished between personal and matrimonial property based on intention and use. The two-bedroom house at Tema was deemed the petitioner’s personal property, as it was solely financed and intended for his individual ownership. Conversely, the four-bedroom house at Senchi, which served as the matrimonial home, was classified as family property. The court ordered that it be held in trust by the petitioner for the benefit of the children, with the respondent retaining possessory rights. With respect to the vehicles, the Nissan pick-up was awarded to the respondent as a family vehicle, while the Toyota Matrix and Mazda station wagon were retained by the petitioner due to outstanding loan obligations. The Mazda pick-up, having been sold prior to the action, was excluded from distribution. On custody and maintenance, the court noted that all children had attained the age of majority. Consequently, it declined to make a custody order, allowing the children to decide their residence. However, the petitioner was directed to continue providing financial support in accordance with the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560). Finally, in considering the respondent’s claim for alimony, the court took into account the petitioner’s health condition, financial responsibilities, and role as sole provider. It awarded a reduced lump sum alimony of GH¢40,000.00 as fair and reasonable under the circumstances. In conclusion, the court dissolved the marriage, made specific orders regarding property distribution, declined custody orders due to the children’s ages, and granted alimony in a reduced amount, ensuring a balanced and equitable resolution for both parties.

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