VINCENT DACHIE VRS JOHN ARTHUR (C5/76/2022) [2023] GHACC 1065 (24 February 2023)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF GHANA HELD IN ACCRA ON FRIDAY 24TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2023 BEFORE HIS HONOUR KWABENA KODUA OBIRI-YEBOAH, CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE SUIT NO. C5/76/2022

VINCENTIA DASHIE VRS.

JOHN ARTHUR ======================================================= =======================================================

J U D G E M N T The Petitioner issued a petition from the registry of this court on the 20th October 2021 seeking dissolution of her marriage to the respondent, addition to other reliefs. The Respondent was served personally on the 1st of November 2021. However, since the Respondent was served over a year ago, he has not filed any process and he has also not made any appearance before the court. For the proceedings for today the Respondent was served by substituted service but the Respondent by this day again has refused to appear before the court. On this day the 24th February 2023 the court has conducted hearing and has had the opportunity to hear the Petitioner and the court came to the conclusion that the marriage which was celebrated between the parties at St. Dominic Catholic Church Taifa Accra on the 16th of May 2009 has broken down beyond reconciliation. Therefore, the marriage which was celebrated by the parties is hereby dissolved in favor of the Petitioner. There are three issues of marriage: Michael Attafuah Arthur (12 years), Mariama Mireku Arthur (10 years) and Marcella Kekeli Arthur (6 years). The custody of these children will be granted to the Petitioner and access to the children granted to the Respondent. Before the court the Petitioner indicated that the Respondent is not working, and she was taking care of the Respondent and the Respondent has not been

working for a while and therefore her relief for financial provision and maintenance for the Petitioner will not be granted. The Respondent will be ordered to pay GH¢6000.00 that he owes the Petitioner and monthly maintenance of GH¢1000.00 for the three (3) issues of the marriage until they all reach the age of maturity. Maintenance payment will start from the beginning of February 2023 and payment should be made by 28th of each month and there will be an annual increase of 20%. The Respondent is to pay for the school fees of the children and parties should share in taking care of the Health Care needs of the children. Cost of GH¢3000.00 in favour of the Petitioner against the Respondent. SGD HIS HONOUR KWABENA KODUA OBIRI- YEBOAH, CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE