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Ghana's Supreme Court clarifies when 'side chicks' and 'side guys' can join divorce proceedings
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Legal practitioner Joseph Ackah-Blay has stated that the Supreme Court of Ghana has clarified that individuals accused of having affairs with married spouses are not automatically entitled to 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
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Must ReadThree teenage girls, aged 13 to 16, reportedly missed the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination BECE in Yapei, Savannah Region, due to alleged forced marriages. Residents stated the girls were preparing for the exams but were married off after their families reportedly agreed to arrangements before the exams began on May 4, 2026. The District Chief Executive for Central Gonja, Mahama Fuseini, confirmed the incident on May 7, 2026, expressing regret and disappointment. He called the incident unfortunate and unacceptable, emphasizing that the teenagers' welfare and future were hindered. Fuseini indicated that the district assembly will work with the Department of Social Welfare and other stakeholders to rescue the girls and return them to school, highlighting education as a key tool for empowering girls and breaking the cycle of poverty. This incident has reignited discussions about child marriage and its impact on young girls in rural communities, particularly in northern Ghana.
Must ReadDr. Nana Ayew Afriye, Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, has called for the immediate resignation of Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo. This follows Ocloo's comments, captured in a viral video, suggesting that postings to Northern Ghana are perceived as a form of punishment. Dr. Ayew Afriye described the remarks as offensive and unfortunate, stating that such comments deepen national divisions and reinforce negative perceptions. He emphasized that public officials must be cautious with their utterances. Despite Ocloo's apology, where she described her remarks as a "slip in communication" and not reflective of her views or government policy, Dr. Ayew Afriye maintains that the nature of the comments warrants her resignation. Ocloo explained her comments were made while addressing concerns about alleged irregularities among public service technocrats and has appealed for forgiveness from Ghanaians, particularly those in the northern regions.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers GNAT is seeking justice from the Regional Security Council and a rubber processing company following alleged severe beatings and molestation of teachers from Adiewoso Basic School in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, April 30, 2026, involved men believed to be military officers. Some teachers sustained injuries and are traumatized. Residents reported that tension began on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, when purported military men arrived, allegedly invited by a rubber processing company to stop illegal miners on a nearby plantation. After a confrontation with miners, the officers reportedly left but returned on April 30, allegedly assaulting several residents, including three teachers. The Wassa West District Vice Chairman of GNAT, Daniel Mensah, stated that the teachers, including the headteacher and a female teacher, were assaulted despite showing their GNAT identity cards to prove they were not involved in mining. Mensah reported that the soldiers ignored their pleas, ordered them to lie down, and whipped them repeatedly, causing visible injuries. The teachers reported the incident to Abura Police Station and sought medical treatment. GNAT has condemned the actions as inhumane and barbaric, warning of further action if authorities, including the Regional Security Council, the rubber processing company, and the Ghana Education Service, do not respond favorably within two weeks.
Dr. Teddy Totimeh, a consultant neurosurgeon, stated that approximately 2,000 people die from asthma each year in Ghana. He highlighted asthma as a growing public health concern, noting persistent gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and access to treatment. Dr. Totimeh explained that asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, making it difficult for air to pass through effectively. He described it as approaching "pandemic" levels globally, affecting both children and adults in Ghana. The rise in cases is attributed to genetic factors and environmental exposure, including air pollution, dust, and allergens, with dust mites being a major trigger in Ghana. Dr. Totimeh mentioned that asthma severity varies, and many cases go undiagnosed due to symptoms being mistaken for minor illnesses. He identified early warning signs such as persistent wheezing, night-time coughing, seasonal breathing difficulties, and chest tightness. He clarified that asthma symptoms often worsen at night or in the early morning due to prolonged exposure to irritants, and seasonal changes can also exacerbate them. Dr. Totimeh dismissed misconceptions about asthma inhalers, emphasizing their effectiveness in delivering medication directly to the lungs. However, he expressed concern about limited access to inhalers in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries, estimating that fewer than 10% of patients needing them receive them. He stressed that asthma is manageable with proper diagnosis and treatm