THERESE LUORTEY vs PATRICK OFORI

In the High Court of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Cynthia Wiredu adjudicated a matrimonial petition that the Respondent never answered. After considering the unchallenged petition and evaluating the Petitioner’s evidence, the court concluded the marriage had irretrievably broken down, noting failed attempts by family and friends to reconcile the parties. Applying Section 2 of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1971 (Act 367), the court dissolved the marriage and canceled the marriage certificate. The court entered default judgment for the Petitioner in line with her pleaded reliefs. Additionally, the court awarded costs of GHa25000 to the Petitioner and directed that the Respondent must pay those costs before filing any further process. The ruling underscores Ghanaian family law and civil procedure principles governing dissolution on irretrievable breakdown and default.