FIDA Executives with Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin
The controversy surrounding the divorce proceedings involving businessman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye (RNAQ), and his former wife, Joana Quaye, has triggered renewed calls for urgent legislative reform on spousal property rights, with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) petitioning Parliament to fast-track the long-delayed Spousal Property Bill.
FIDA’s intervention follows public debate over a recent Accra High Court ruling on the distribution of property acquired during the couple’s 16-year marriage, which has three children.
The organisation argues that the judgment has exposed significant gaps in the country’s legal framework governing marital property rights.
The petition was presented to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Parliament House in Accra.
Receiving the petition alongside the Speaker were the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection and First Deputy Majority Whip, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, as well as the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror.
The FIDA delegation was led by its President, Gloria Ofori Boadu, and included Executive Director, Susan Aryeetey; Assistant Secretary, Ofosua Amagyei; and Treasurer, Awuraa Konadu Kusi.
In its four-page petition, FIDA expressed concern that Parliament’s delay in passing the Spousal Property Bill has created what it described as a legal vacuum, leaving courts to adjudicate complex marital property disputes without clear statutory direction.
The group noted that this situation has led to uncertainty among women regarding what qualifies as jointly acquired property, how contributions within marriage should be assessed, and how assets held through corporate structures ought to be treated in divorce settlements.
Referencing the widely discussed High Court decision involving RNAQ, FIDA said the ruling had sparked public concern and highlighted inconsistencies in judicial interpretation, which it attributed to the absence of clear legislative guidance.
The organisation further stated that since the judgment became public, it had received numerous enquiries from women seeking clarity on their property rights in the event of divorce or the death of a spouse.
FIDA warned that without clear legal rules, women risk losing access to assets they contributed to building or preserving during marriage, describing the situation as a threat to women’s economic security, dignity and independence.
The group therefore urged Parliament to act in accordance with Article 22 of the Constitution by urgently passing the Spousal Property Bill to regulate spousal rights in marriage and divorce.
Responding, Speaker Bagbin expressed strong support for the proposed legislation, stressing that Parliament was prepared to consider the Bill under a certificate of urgency in light of recent public concerns.
He acknowledged the significance of FIDA’s petition and referenced growing public debate triggered by the court ruling.
“We ourselves are very concerned about it. I am not surprised that you are here today because of the recent ruling of the courts,” he said.
Mr. Bagbin further underscored the importance of women in society and called for greater protection of their rights within marriage, affirming Parliament’s readiness to act.
A Daily Guide Report