Obaa Yaa
My wife owns a three-bedroom house, but our family lives in one room
My wife owns a three-bedroom house in Accra, in a very good and convenient location. However, despite owning the house, we currently live in a one-bedroom apartment where our three children have to sleep in the hall.
After my wife won a legal case concerning the house, I assumed that we would move into it as a family. She explained that some repair works needed to be done before we could move in. I accepted this because I knew the house needed some renovation.
I later realised my wife has given out the space to a cousin. I feel that this decision should have been discussed with me, particularly because it directly affects our family’s living conditions. At the same time, I do not want this situation to turn into a fight about ownership or create unnecessary tension in our marriage.
How should I approach my wife about the situation, and what would be a fair solution for both of us and our children?
Apenteng, Kyebi
Dear Apenteng,
Your wife legally owning the house does not automatically mean that she must use it as a family home. It is reasonable for you to ask why the possibility of moving into the house was not discussed with before it was given to someone else.
I would suggest you have a good conversation with her rather that confronting her with anger.
Better still you can also try as much as possible and get a space and move out with your family if the space is not enough.
I don’t see why you are relying solely on your wife’s property.
Dear Obaa Yaa,
My marriage is falling apart because I spent more than an hour at the market, and I honestly do not know what to do anymore.
Anytime I visit the market, my husband gives me only one hour to return home regardless of wherever I have gotten to.
This has brought disagreement between my husband and I .What started as a disagreement between my husband and I has now become a family affair.
I never imagined that a simple trip to the market would lead to such a painful situation in my marriage.
He has told me to pack from our matrimonial home until further notice.
Baaba, Apam
Dear Baaba,
Do not allow family pressure to determine the future of your marriage.
Your husband’s family may genuinely want peace, but their desire to restore the marriage should not take priority over your emotional well-being.
Marriage reconciliation should not be about getting a woman back to her husband’s house at all costs.
You can respect your husband’s family without allowing them to dictate your decision.
On a more serious note, your husband should acknowledge the harm caused by his actions and apologise sincerely if he wrongfully sent you away. However, an apology alone is not enough to repair a marriage.
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Dear Obaa Yaa,
I am a young lady of 27 years, living in a single room at Lapaz. I have stayed there for three years and I always pay my rent on time.
Last month, my landlord called me and said he had doubled the rent c from GH₵600 to GH₵1,200.
He says everything had increased so I must pay double or leave by the end of this month. I don’t have anywhere to go and I don’t have that amount. When I tried to beg him, he said if I don’t pay, he will lock my room.
Please advise me, what should I do? I am stressed.
Worried tenant.
Dear worried tenant,
I don’t know why your landlord is acting this way. He cannot just lock your room or eject you like that. In Ghana, the Rent Act mandates a landlord to give proper written notice and go through the Rent Control Department. Locking your room or throwing your things out is illegal.
You can explain to him that you cannot afford 100% at once. Propose something you can afford, maybe ask for time to adjust.
Go to the Rent Control office near you (with your old receipt and any message from your landlord). They will invite him and help you both agree on a fair increment. Usually, an increment should be reasonable, not 100% overnight.
While Rent Control is handling it, quietly start looking at other options, just in case he insists on not renewing your rent after your current rent expires.
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