The President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Ghana), Gloria Ofori-Boadu, has called on Parliament to urgently legislate on the property rights of spouses bill, stressing that the lack of clear laws continues to disadvantage women in marriage and upon its dissolution.
Ms Gloria Ofori-Boadu explained that legislating on spousal property rights was crucial because, without clear laws, women risked losing access to jointly acquired assets when marriages end.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic, she said inconsistent court decisions left many women financially vulnerable, and that passing legislation would ensure fairness, protect women’s economic rights, and promote their independence.
“Parliament must enact legislation under Article 22(2) and (3) of the 1992 Constitution to ensure that spouses have equal access to property acquired during marriage,” Ms Ofori-Boadu said.
She added, “It has been over 33 years since the Constitution came into force, yet women still face uncertainty and inconsistency when it comes to joint property ownership.”
Legal gap
Ms Ofori-Boadu stated that, currently, the Supreme Court was relying on case-by-case criteria to distribute property upon the dissolution of marriage, a system that lacked specificity and uniformity, and this legal gap left women vulnerable and often unable to claim assets they had helped acquire.
“Assets acquired during marriage should be distributed equitably between spouses, regardless of gender,” she added. “Without clear legislation, decisions vary from one case to another, and women are left at a disadvantage.”
She further said FIDA Ghana had been advocating this reform as part of its broader mandate to protect women’s rights, emphasising that property ownership was not only a legal issue but also an economic one.
“When women have secure property rights, they gain financial stability, empowerment, and the ability to participate more fully in society,” she said.
Consequently, Ms Ofori-Boadu stressed that enacting these reforms would send a strong message about Ghana’s commitment to gender equality.
“Legal clarity on property rights is not a luxury; it is a necessity for women’s dignity, security, and economic independence,” she said.
She also emphasised the organisation’s efforts to improve women’s political representation, which remained low due to structural and societal barriers.
“FIDA Ghana has long supported affirmative action, mentoring women to contest parliamentary and local government elections. Encouraging women to run is not enough; we need deliberate policies, mentorship programmes, and societal support so women can contest, lead and thrive.” Ms Ofori-Boadu said.
Legal empowerment
Furthermore, she stressed that legal empowerment was a key pillar of FIDA Ghana’s work.
“Women make up over 80 per cent of employment in the informal sector.
By helping them register businesses and formalise their economic activities, we empower them to gain financial independence and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s growth,” she said.
Subsequently, she explained that FIDA had engaged traditional and religious leaders as paralegals in communities to help curb harmful cultural practices and protect women and children.
“We continue to expand our legal aid services centres and train female lawyers as FIDA Legal Aid Officers to leave a lasting national impact.
“FIDA Ghana is committed to ensuring that women are not only protected under the law but are empowered to participate fully in all areas of society,” she added.
“Our vision is a Ghana where women have the rights, opportunities and support to thrive—legally, socially and economically,” Ms Ofori-Boadu said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh