Dear GhanaWeb: My father's will has trapped me in a fake marriage for inheritance

Dear GhanaWeb,

I’m writing this with deep frustration. My dad passed away a year ago. He was a very wealthy man, and thanks to him, I’ve never experienced suffering. He took very good care of my brother and me.

He sent us to the best schools in Ghana, and when it was time for university, he flew me abroad to study. Life was good, we were a happy family. I miss my dad every single day.

After his death, his lawyer read part of his will. Interestingly, my dad had also recorded a video to prevent any misunderstandings.

I’m 29 and the firstborn, and the will states that I can only receive my inheritance once I’m married. My mother questioned this, and the lawyer explained that my dad believed marriage would make me more responsible.

He felt that once I had a family to take care of, I would be better equipped to manage his wealth. He said if I refuse to comply with his wish, everything would go to my younger brother.

I was left sad and confused. How am I supposed to get married so soon when I don’t even have a stable relationship? Sure, a lot of women show interest in me, but I don’t love any of them. It’s been hard finding someone genuine.

Most of the women around me, I just sleep with them and give them money. That’s all.

One of my best friends came up with a crazy idea he said I should hire a woman to pretend to be my fiancée. We would sign a contract to be married for a few months, then divorce, and I’d pay her off so I could access my inheritance. Eventually, we found a lady who agreed to the deal.

We started by introducing her to my mother. She was a bit surprised and asked how I suddenly had a fiancée. She knows me well and knows I don’t keep relationships. I own a mansion, so I told my mother I would be moving out so my fiancée and I could bond before the wedding.

The lady moved in with me, and we pretended to be a couple whenever family was around. The lawyer also checks on us from time to time. Living with her has been tough, she’s very controlling and often annoying. But I endured it because of what was at stake. Whenever we argued, she would threaten to expose the truth.

Now here’s the real problem: yesterday, the lawyer came by again to read another part of the will. He played another video from my dad, where he said that now that I’m married, I could receive part of my inheritance. However, to receive everything, I must stay married for five years and have a child with my wife.

I’m devastated. How am I supposed to have a child with someone I don’t love? Or stay in a fake marriage for five whole years? Isn’t this too much?

Meanwhile, my little brother received his share of the inheritance peacefully. So why is my situation different? It feels unfair. But the reality is this: either I follow through with this or I lose everything.

I’m completely confused about what to do. I honestly can’t see myself being with this woman for five years or having a child with her. Should I end the charade and lose everything? Or should I sacrifice my happiness for the inheritance?

I need your suggestions, please.

FG/EB

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