The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana has petitioned Parliament to urgently pass the Property Rights of Spouses Bill into law following public criticism surrounding a recent divorce ruling involving businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye and his ex-wife.
According to FIDA, the absence of a clear legal framework on the sharing of marital property continues to leave many women and children vulnerable during divorce proceedings.
Speaking ahead of presenting the petition to Parliament, President of FIDA Ghana, Gloria Ofori-Boadu, revealed that only about eight percent of marriages in Ghana are registered under the ordinance system, a situation she said places many spouses, particularly women, at a disadvantage when marriages collapse.
She stressed the need for comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of spouses and ensure fairness in the distribution of marital property.
Receiving the petition, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin assured the group that the bill, which has already been gazetted, would soon be laid before Parliament for consideration.
The Speaker also questioned the basis of some court judgments delivered in divorce cases, suggesting the absence of clear legislation may be contributing to inconsistencies in judicial decisions.
Speaking to the media after presenting the petition, Madam Gloria Ofori-Boadu urged Parliament to treat the bill as a matter of urgency, warning that delays in passing the legislation could continue to expose women and children to hardship and injustice during divorce settlements.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
