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Pass clearer property law for spouses …AWLA urges government
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A group of female lawyers known as the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) is calling on the Parliament of Ghana to urgently pass a comprehensive law on spousal property rights to eliminate ambiguity and ensure fairness in divorce settlements.
Among the rights proposed were a clearer definition of marital property, formal recognition of non-monetary contributions, stronger guidelines for judges, improved enforcement of court orders and expanded access to legal aid for vulnerable spouses.
This, the group underlined, would cure the inconsistent court rulings that continue to leave many divorced spouses, particularly women, trapped in uncertainty, injustice and often left with nothing or something insignificant after years of marriage.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, the Executive Director of AWLA, Ms Effiba Amihere, said although the Supreme Court had over the years laid down important legal principles on the sharing of marital properties, conflicting judgments had created confusion and frustration for families seeking justice after divorce.
She explained that while some rulings recognised marriage as an economic partnership where both financial and non-financial contributions should be valued equally, others demanded proof of direct monetary contributions before property could be shared fairly.
This contradiction in the law, she said, had left many spouses vulnerable, especially women whose years of unpaid domestic work often went unrecognised in courtrooms.
“There are women who spend decades building homes, raising children, supporting businesses and sacrificing careers, only to walk away from marriages with little or nothing because their contribution cannot be measured in cash,” she stressed.
She argued that certain rulings appeared to rely on irrelevant considerations such as a spouse’s appearance, lifestyle or level of financial independence instead of established legal principles.
Ms Amihere, however, praised a landmark Supreme Court decision on July 17, 2025, which she described as a major step towards fairness and clarity in family law.
The ruling outlined important guidelines for courts in determining how marital properties should be shared after divorce and factors to be considered.
The ruling captured the duration of the marriage, the acquisition of property, financial contributions, pre-marital assets, debts, as well as non-financial contributions such as childcare, housekeeping, emotional support and domestic labour.
The judgment, she praised, was particularly significant because it openly acknowledged the economic value of unpaid domestic work, an area she said had long been ignored despite sustaining countless households across the country.
She maintained that Ghanaian courts had already affirmed that marriage was a joint enterprise and that contribution should not be reduced to money alone.
The organisation also appealed to the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary of Ghana and the Ghana Bar Association to support reforms aimed at protecting spouses and strengthening justice in family law cases.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.
The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.
Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.
Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.
The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.
He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.
At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.
However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.
“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.
According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”
Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.
“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.
One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.
The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.
Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.
The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.
According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.
GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.
The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.
GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.
The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.
It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.
GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.
The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
