A Ghanaian court has dismissed a GH¢50 million alimony request as excessive and unfounded in a divorce case, instead awarding a significantly reduced amount of GH¢300,000.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Justin Kofi Dorgu criticised the basis of the claim, stating that marriage should not be treated as a financial investment.
“Marriage is not an investment… what investment can yield so much dividend or interest in a period of 10 or 20 years?” the court noted, describing the amount sought as “ridiculous” and lacking any justification.
The court emphasised that changing social dynamics, including the rise of financially independent women, required compelling reasons for such large financial awards. It found that the petitioner had already been adequately provided for through a one-third share of the matrimonial home, as well as provisions for the children’s education and healthcare.
In addition, the court observed that the petitioner remained capable of supporting herself and rebuilding her life, further weakening the case for a substantial alimony award.
The ruling underscores a stricter judicial approach to spousal support claims, signalling that courts may increasingly demand clear justification for high-value alimony requests.
