A legal practitioner, Shelina Mesu has sparked intense debate on Nhyira Fm’s Obra Show when she stated that romantic relationships, referred to as “mpenatwe” in Twi, can attract legal consequences similar to marriages.
“You can sue your boyfriend just as a spouse can sue a husband or wife,” she stated during the official launch of Nhyira FM’s new studio.
Lawyer Shelina explained that where partners have made commitments like a promise to marry, acquired property together, or had children within the relationship, the law may treat such unions as binding.
“This recognition becomes even stronger where children are involved or where one party has made significant sacrifices based on promises of marriage. Such cases fall under breach of promise to marry or even claims for emotional and financial damages caused by deception,” she said.
Although Ghanaian laws recognize statutory, customary, Islamic, and ordinance marriages, courts have occasionally acknowledged long-term relationships that resemble marriage, particularly when one party has suffered deception or loss.
Culturally, “mpenatwe” has long been dismissed as a private affair, but Lawyer Shelina’s revelation emphasizes that it can carry serious legal implications if one partner can be bold to seek for legal actions when he/she feels wronged.
With its new modern studio and the nationwide reach of Adom TV, the Obra show is poised to continue transforming lives while also sparking bold conversations—like the legality of “mpenatwe” — that challenge Ghana’s cultural and social norms.
The new Nhyira studio will host the station’s popular ‘Obra’ show which will now be aired on Adom TV from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm every weekday.
The ceremony drew distinguished guests, including Nana Akua Nimo II, Asante Mampong Mpenya Hemaa; Nana Kwadwo Ntiamoah Panin II, Adanwomasehene; Rev. CSP Stellah Ama Katso Anku (Mrs.), Ashanti Regional Chaplain; and Lawyer Shelina Mesu.
Host of Obra, Ohemaa Benewaa, filled with joy, said: “Today is not just about a studio launch, but a celebration of Obra’s growth and the lives we continue to touch. With the support of my panel and our listeners, we are going to impact even more homes through Adom TV.”
Her panel members, Evangelist Adaegraft Addae, Lady Gold White, and Gifty Donkor, popularly known as Big Mama, also expressed their joy in the new directive of Obra to run two hours on Adom TV. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to helping families resolve conflicts.
Programs manager of Nhyira Fm, Benjamin Fiifi Okran, affectionately called ‘Okukuseku’, took the audience down memory lane, recounting the purpose, progress, and impact of Obra over the years.
“Obra has come a long way and today marks a new chapter. This move to Adom TV will make our mission even stronger,” he said.
Source: Hannah Addae
