Accra: The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed serious concern about the denial of property rights to women. He affirmed the need for equal rights for women as spouses in marriage, asserting that women are supposed to be the partners of men. The Speaker made these remarks during a visit by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) at Parliament House, Accra.
According to Ghana Web, FIDA has been vocal and critical of a judgment by an Accra High Court, which is generally believed to be unfair and inequitable in its distribution of property acquired during the marriage between self-touted billionaire Richard Nii Armah Quaye and his wife of 16 years, Joana Quaye, with whom he has three children. The Speaker was joined in receiving the petition from FIDA by Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, and Ebenzer Ahumah Djietro, Clerk to Parliament.
The delegation from FIDA included President Madam Gloria Ofori Boadu, Executive Director Susan Aryeetey, Assistant Secretary Ofosua Amagyei, and Treasurer Awuraa Konadu Kusi. In the four-page petition signed by Gloria Ofori Boadu, FIDA highlighted that the failure of Parliament to pass the Spousal Property Bill has created a legal vacuum, leaving courts without a comprehensive legislative framework to guide them.
FIDA's petition noted that women continue to face uncertainty about what counts as jointly acquired property, the practical meaning of 'equitable distribution,' the assessment of direct and indirect contributions, and the treatment of corporate structures where family wealth is involved. Citing the RNAQ judgment delivered by Justice Dorgu at the Accra High Court as an example of a decision that triggered widespread public consternation, FIDA pointed out that the ruling exposed confusion and the tendency of some judges to be arbitrary, causing public anxiety due to the absence of clear legislative guidance.
Ofori Boadu further stated that since the RNAQ judgment became public, FIDA has received numerous calls and expressions of concern from women and the public seeking clarification on their rights in the event of marriage dissolution or the death of a spouse. Women are concerned that, without clear statutory rules, assets they helped acquire or preserve may remain beyond their reach.
FIDA emphasized that the issue impacts women's economic dignity, security, independence, and fundamental human rights. They urged the Parliament of Ghana to act now and adhere to the constitutional imperative of enacting legislation in accordance with Article 22 to regulate the rights of spouses, regardless of gender.
Responding to FIDA's call, Bagbin expressed his full support for the urgent passage of the Bill by Parliament. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of FIDA and was not surprised by their visit due to the recent court ruling. Bagbin assured that Parliament is ready and willing to pass the Bill under a certificate of urgency, considering the recent developments. The leadership of FIDA expressed their satisfaction with the meeting with the Speaker and thanked him for his support.