BY Daniel Bampoe
A High Court ruling in Accra has ignited public debate over marital property rights and spousal contributions, after dramatically reducing a GH₵50 million divorce settlement demand by Joana Quaye, former wife of businessman Richard Nii-Armah Quaye (RNAQ), to just GH₵300,000.
The decision, delivered on January 20, 2026, by Justice Kofi Dorgu, marked a pivotal moment in a protracted four-year divorce battle between the couple, whose marriage spanned 16 years and was closely tied to the rise of RNAQ’s business empire.
Court’s Reasoning: “Marriage Is Not An Investment”
Central to the court’s ruling was its rejection of the basis for Joana Quaye’s GH₵50 million claim. Justice Dorgu held that the demand lacked sufficient legal and evidential grounding, describing it as excessive and unjustifiable.
In a strongly worded position, the court emphasized that marriage should not be treated as a financial investment vehicle.
The judge noted that while alimony historically supported financially dependent spouses, modern societal changes—particularly the rise of economically independent women—require “compelling reasons” for such large financial awards.
This reasoning ultimately shaped the court’s decision to limit the financial compensation while granting specific reliefs tied to property and childcare responsibilities.
Settlement Terms And Custodial Arrangements
Despite rejecting the substantial monetary claim, the court awarded Joana Quaye a combination of financial and material reliefs.
These included: A lump sum payment of GH₵300,000, Custody of the couple’s three children, GH₵5,000 monthly maintenance for the children, subject to review, Responsibility placed on RNAQ for school fees, healthcare, and educational needs, One-third ownership of the matrimonial home in Dansoman and Two vehicles: a 2010 Jaguar XF and a 2018 Jaguar Prestige XF.
The ruling effectively balanced child welfare considerations with what the court deemed a reasonable distribution of marital assets.
Dispute Over Contribution To Wealth
A major point of contention remains the extent of Joana Quaye’s contribution to RNAQ’s wealth. Her legal team argues that she was not merely a spouse but a co-founder and shareholder in the early stages of the business that evolved into Bills Micro-Credit Limited.
According to her lawyers, the company served as the financial backbone of RNAQ’s later success, and therefore all assets acquired during the marriage—including properties in Trasacco Estate and East Legon, luxury vehicles, and corporate shares—should be treated as jointly owned marital property.
They contend that the High Court failed to adequately apply the constitutional principles on equitable distribution of marital assets.
Appeal Challenges “Inequitable” Judgment
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Joana Quaye’s legal team, Dame & Partners, filed an appeal on April 1, 2026, describing the judgment as “manifestly inadequate, inequitable and unfair.”
The appeal seeks two key outcomes: The setting aside of the High Court’s ruling and a reassessment leading to equitable distribution of all assets acquired during the marriage, including RNAQ’s business interests.
Lawyers are also pushing for the Court of Appeal to “lift the corporate veil” on RNAQ’s companies, arguing that there is clear evidence of joint establishment and shared financial foundation.
Wealth, Public Persona, And Private Dispute
The case has drawn heightened public interest due to RNAQ’s high-profile lifestyle and business success. Known for extravagant displays of wealth—including luxury vehicles, gold gifts, and a private jet—the businessman has frequently dominated headlines.
In March 2025, his lavish 40th birthday celebration, attended by major African music stars, further cemented his public image as one of Ghana’s most flamboyant entrepreneurs.
However, behind the public glamour lies a deeply contested divorce, with unresolved questions about wealth accumulation, spousal contribution, and fairness in asset distribution.
