An Accra Circuit Court has ordered businessman Vince Kontoh to pay GHC200,000 in damages to Ms. Ernestina Torgbor for breaching a promise of marriage, ending their 11-year relationship.
Presiding over the case, Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam ruled in favour of Ernestina’s counterclaim, awarding her GHC50,000 in general damages and GHC150,000 for the breach.
Vince was also ordered to pay interest on the total amount from February 16, 2026, and cover the costs of GHC20,000.
The court further declared that Ernestina has a beneficial interest in a two-bedroom apartment at East Legon.
It also directed that she retain possession of a Toyota RAV4 vehicle and an industrial blender, and that both parties regularise her interest in a six-unit apartment block at East Legon.
The dispute began when Vince filed a writ to eject Ernestina after ending their relationship, which started in 2013.
During this time, Vince provided funds for her business, contributed to her children’s education, and financed the East Legon property construction, which Ernestina supervised. She moved into the property in 2017 at his request.
Evidence showed Vince gave her a ring and publicly acknowledged her as his partner at her father’s funeral. He later ended the relationship, claiming he preferred someone else.
While Vince argued that the ring was merely to “ward off male attention,” the court found that the totality of the evidence, including the ring, long-term cohabitation, financial interdependence, and public acknowledgement, proved a binding promise to marry.
The court ruled that Ernestina’s 11 years of reliance on that promise and her sacrifices entitled her to damages, and that her contributions gave her a beneficial interest in the property.
Vince’s ejectment claim was dismissed. Justice Kwadam noted that the case highlights the significant emotional and economic consequences that can arise from broken marriage promises.
