Ghana's Supreme Court clarifies when 'side chicks' and 'side guys' can join divorce proceedings

The apex court ruled that such individuals may only be joined if they raise substantial legal issues directly connected to the dispute. Ackah-Blay cited the Supreme Court decision in the case of Vida Yeboah v Dr Stephen Yeboah & Mercy Agyeiwaa in an X post on May 6, 2026. The case originated in April 2019 when Vida Yeboah filed for divorce against her husband, Dr Stephen Yeboah, alleging adultery and naming Mercy Agyeiwaa.

Mercy applied to be joined to the suit, claiming she was Dr Yeboah’s customary wife since July 15, 2012, two years before his 2014 ordinance marriage to Vida. She presented photographs of the customary marriage, identified witnesses, and claimed financial contributions to properties Vida sought to share. While the High Court initially allowed her joinder, the Court of Appeal overturned it.

However, the Supreme Court restored Mercy as a party, directing the High Court to continue the trial. The court cautioned that this ruling is not a blanket invitation for all persons accused of affairs to become parties in divorce proceedings, stating that 'side chicks' or 'side guys' generally have no place as parties. The court explained that under Section 12 of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1971, joinder is discretionary.

Mercy Agyeiwaa’s case was deemed ex