W. A. SOLOMON v. CHIEF QUASI AMPEH

This case concerns a dispute over the ownership and operation rights of a ferry across the Densu River at Nsawam. The plaintiff, W.A. Solomon, claimed ownership based on a certificate of title for lands called Abobri, which he interpreted as including the ferry rights. The defendant had been operating the ferry, which the plaintiff alleged was unlawful. The case faced initial delays due to the absence of defense counsel and proceeded under Order XXXIV. Later, the defendant was allowed to cross-examine the plaintiff's witnesses after paying costs for the initial delay. The court, presided over by Chief Justice Crampton Smyly, ruled against the plaintiff on two main grounds: 1. The plaintiff failed to prove legal ownership of the ferry rights. The court interpreted the certificate of title as referring to the location of the land purchased, not to ferry rights at Nsawam, which was about twenty miles away from the Abobri lands. 2. The plaintiff was not in possession of the ferry when the defendant began operating it, having ceased operations when a bridge was built. The court emphasized the importance of clear language in property documents and the distinction between legal title and possession. It also admonished legal counsel for causing unnecessary delays. The plaintiff was nonsuited, with costs awarded to the defendant, except for those already paid due to the initial delay caused by the defense counsel's absence. This case highlights the importance of clear property documentation, the distinction between ownership and possession, and the court's authority to manage proceedings efficiently.