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BIRCH v. ASEMPA AND ANOTHER

1991

HIGH COURT

GHANA

CORAM

  • ACQUAH J

Areas of Law

  • Contract Law
  • Tort Law
  • Civil Procedure

AI Generated Summary

The High Court, per Acquah J., dismissed Ruby Birchs suit against the administrators of Seth K. Awumahs estate seeking return or value of 4,360 cement blocks allegedly left at Awumahs premises after a 1981 sale of 7,000 blocks to Francis Kudzo Adekpuitor and Birch. The court found the sale was concluded at the sellers premises, property and risk passed to the purchasers, and no breach lay against the estate under the Sale of Goods Act. It rejected the claim that leaving the blocks created a bailment imposing liability, characterizing Awumah as at most an involuntary bailee without duty of care. Detinue requires a demand and refusal by the defendant in possession; Birch demanded from Awumahs family, not the personal representatives, and did not prove wrongful possession by them. On capacity, the receipt and power of attorney showed Adekpuitor alone purchased the blocks; Birch could sue only as his attorney but pleaded joint ownership. Amendment was refused as not impliedly accepted and futile. Preliminary objections were sustained, and no costs were ordered.

JUDGMENT