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CLERK v. CLERK

April 2, 1968

HIGH COURT

GHANA

CORAM

  • CAMPBELL J

Areas of Law

  • Family Law
  • Property and Real Estate Law
  • Equity and Trusts

AI Generated Summary

In a dispute concerning a matrimonial home in Osu, Christiansborg, the wife sought a perpetual injunction to restrain the husband from interfering with her occupation of house No.F.539/1. After his 1964 divorce petition was dismissed, he wrote (exhibit A) directing her to vacate and announcing Accra Municipal Council–approved plans to extend and lease the premises, offering alternative accommodation at Anna Lodge. She alleged significant contributions from her bakery business and physical assistance during construction of the outhouse (1942) and the main building (1954). Campbell J found the contributions indeterminate and, under Ghana’s Married Women’s Property Ordinance and customary law—without the English section 17 regime—no beneficial interest arose; the property remained the husband’s. Nevertheless, because the house functioned as the matrimonial home and applying common law authorities (Hutchinson; Bendall), the court held the husband could not eject the wife, granted the injunction, declared title in the husband, and dismissed possession.

JUGDEMENT