Breach of Promise to Marry Case: Full benefits court granted 60-year-old woman

A 60-year-old businessman, Vince Kontoh, sued his 60-year-old partner, Ernestina Torbgor, with whom he had been cohabiting for over 11 years, seeking an order of ejectment.

The ruling of the court, however, was not what Vince Kontoh had expected. The court ruled in favour of a counterclaim filed by Ernestina Torbgor for “breach of promise to marry.”

“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,” parts of the court document read.

The 60-year-old woman asked the Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam, a High Court judge sitting with additional responsibility as a Circuit Court judge, for the following reliefs:

US$40,000 for breach of promise to marry

The right to remain in the two-bedroom unit

Retention of a Toyota RAV4, allegedly purchased for her

The court held that there was indeed a promise to marry, noting that the ring given to the woman by the man was not a casual gift but was intended to ward off other men’s attention, signaling clear intent.

The court also found that the man had openly associated himself with her family as an in-law without protest and had made contributions during her father’s funeral.

It went on to award the woman over GH¢200,000 in compensation and general damages.

Below is a breakdown of all the relief the court granted:

“The Plaintiff shall pay to the Defendant the sum of GH¢200,000.00, comprising general damages of GH¢50,000.00 and compensation for the breach of GH¢150,000.00.

"The said sum shall bear interest at the prevailing commercial bank rate from today’s date (16/02/2026) until the date of final payment.

"It is hereby declared that the Defendant has a beneficial interest in the two-bedroom apartment at Nortey Loop, East Legon, Accra, currently occupied by her, said interest arising by way of a constructive trust.

"The parties are directed to take all necessary steps to regularise the Defendant’s interest in the said apartment property.

"The Defendant shall continue to use the Toyota RAV4 vehicle and industrial blender since the Plaintiff did not lay claim to either.

"Cost fixed at GH¢20,000.00 is awarded against the Plaintiff in favour of the Defendant,” the Court ordered on Monday, February 16, 2026.

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



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