🕒 Last updated: December 13, 2025
Ghana Divorce law proceedings often seem daunting, especially when one or both parties are not familiar with the steps. Fortunately, the Ghanaian legal framework governing divorce is primarily outlined in the Matrimonial Causes Act of 1971 (Act 367). With that being said, here are some important requirements about divorce in Ghana you should know in 2025.Â
What are the procedural requirements for getting a divorce in Ghana?Â
It’s worth noting that getting divorced in Ghana involves many steps, including the following.Â
Filing the petition
The petitioner is required to file a divorce petition in either the district, circuit, or high court. However, it’s worth noting that presenting a petition in court in the first two years of marriage isn’t allowed, except the petitioner can prove that there is depravity or hardship on the part of their spouse.Â
Serving the petition and trial preparationÂ
The next requirement is to serve the petition to the respondent, who must also enter an appearance within eight days and answer within 14 days. After getting an answer, the petitioner can inform the registrar to set the case for trial and serve a notice of trial. In this phase, both parties must file witness statements and supporting documents.
Hearing and judgementÂ
The next phase is the hearing, which usually takes place in the judge’s chambers. After this is completed, the court delivers its judgment.Â
What are the legal grounds for divorce?Â
According to the Ghanaian divorce law, a marriage is eligible for divorce when there’s no hope of reconciliation. With that being said, a petitioner must prove one of the following to be granted a divorce:Â
- Separation with consent: both spouses have separated for a continuous period of at least two years, and the respondent consents to the divorce.
- Five-year separation: the parties have lived apart for a continuous period of at least five years, regardless of the respondent’s consent.
- Adultery: the respondent has committed adultery, and the petitioner can’t live with them.
- Unreasonable behaviour: the respondent has behaved in such an unreasonable way that the petitioner can’t live with them.Â
- Desertion: the respondent left the petitioner for a continuous period of at least two years immediately before the petition.
- Failed reconciliation: despite diligent efforts, the parties can’t reconcile their differences.
Get legal help for your divorce today!
We are experts in family law in Ghana and have been in the business of providing legal services over the past half-decade. You can rest assured that we will guide you through every stage of your divorce. Feel free to contact us on the following:Â
Call: +233 30 254 1870
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Founded in 2015, Acheampong & Associates is a Ghana-based law firm specializing in Immigration, Corporate, Family, Real Estate, and Surrogacy Law. For over half a decade, we have delivered client-focused legal solutions, with a strong niche in world-class immigration, corporate and family services for individuals and organizations. Our team has the expertise and resources to help clients navigate complex legal requirements with confidence and ease.
