Yaa Serwaa Demands Fair Share of House Built with Partner Bernard Kojo Amid Relationship Breakdown

Yaa Serwaa, a mother of three based in the Ashanti Region, has sparked a public discussion on property rights within informal relationships after demanding a share of a house she claims to have co-developed with her partner, Bernard Kojo. The dispute highlights the complexities of long-term partnerships that lack formal legal documentation, particularly when significant assets like real estate are involved. Serwaa asserts that her contributions to the home were made under the expectation of a shared future, which has now been jeopardized by the collapse of their relationship.

The history of the couple dates back to 2017, when Serwaa and Kojo first met. Their relationship progressed rapidly, with Serwaa becoming pregnant with their first child just six months after their initial meeting. Over the subsequent years, the couple expanded their family to three children while simultaneously working on the construction of a residential property. Serwaa maintains that she was an active participant in the building process, providing both financial support and physical labor to ensure the project's completion.

However, the relationship has recently been marred by significant personal challenges and allegations of infidelity. The conflict reached a tipping point following revelations regarding Serwaa's brief involvement with another man, which she characterizes as a single occurrence before returning to Kojo. These personal tensions have spilled over into a legal and social battle over the ownership of the family home, as Kojo’s willingness to recognize Serwaa’s stake in the property appears to have diminished alongside the breakdown of their romantic bond.

This case serves as a poignant reminder of the legal vulnerabilities faced by many individuals in Ghana who invest in property during customary or informal unions without clear legal agreements. As the dispute unfolds, it underscores the necessity for partners to document financial and physical contributions to joint projects to prevent protracted battles. The outcome of Serwaa’s claim may set a local precedent for how contributions to joint assets are valued when a long-term partnership ends in the absence of a formal marriage certificate.