[2015]DLSC3028 • December 9, 2015 • Supreme Court •
ANTHONY VICTOR OBENG vs. MRS THERESA HENRIETTA OBENG
The appellant and respondent married in 1996 in Michigan, USA. They lived apart initially, then together in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the appellant worked with the UN. The marriage broke down irretrievably in 1999. There were no children from the marriage, though each had children from previous marriages. The appellant filed for divorce and property settlement in 1999. The respondent cross-petitioned for dissolution, damages, maintenance, and costs. The High Court dissolved the marriage and awarded the respondent a lump sum financial settlement of US$80,000, a one-way ticket to the USA, and legal costs. The Court of Appeal affirmed the award but converted the lump sum to Ghana cedis and reduced legal costs.
read moreAKAMBA, JSC: This appeal by Anthony Victor Obeng, (herein after simply referred to as the appellant) raises for our decision whether or not the Court of Appeal which affirmed the decision of the trial High Court, adequately considered the material factors required by law in the latter’s award of a lump sum of $80,000 or its cedi equivalent in favour of Mrs Theresa Henrietta Obeng, (herein after simply referred to as the respondent.) The appellant and respondent got married on 27th July 1996 in East Lancing, Michigan, in the United States of America. At that time the respondent lived and worked in Michigan in the United States. After the marriage they lived apart until 1998 when the respondent moved from Michigan to join the appellant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the latter lived and worked with the United Nations (UN). There is no child of the marriage even though each of the parties has three (3) children from their previous marriages. The marriage broke down beyond reconcili.....