A trader based in Kasoa has filed a lawsuit at the Winneba District Court against James Kofi Annan, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Effutu Parliamentary candidate, accusing him of breach of promise to marry and emotional abuse.
The Plaintiff, Lydia Hiawobea Lartey, is seeking GH¢500,000 in damages for lost earnings and emotional distress after their relationship resulted in a child.
Lydia Lartey alleges that Annan, whom she met in 2015 during her national service at the Parliamentary Service of Ghana while he worked as a journalist, convinced her to enter into a relationship with promises of marriage and a better life.
After resigning from her job, at his urging, she says Annan reneged on his promises, leading to emotional and financial harm.
In her statement of claim, the trader narrates that she initially declined Annan’s romantic advances but eventually accepted after separating from her husband.
Annan allegedly persuaded her to resign from her job, promising her employment in his business.
The plaintiff says that after she gave birth to their son, she pressured the defendant to fulfil his promise of marriage, only to discover that Annan was already married under the Ordinance.
“When I confronted the Defendant as to why he decided to ruin my life, he unapologetically told me he only needed children from me due to my beauty, making it seem like I was just rented to produce a child for him,” Lydia lamented in her statement.
She further claims that the Defendant’s erratic behaviour worsened over time, alleging that he subjected her to verbal and physical abuse.
She claims Athe NDC Effutu PC often exhibited strange behaviour, including screams and locking himself in his car for extended periods.
She said, “The Defendant’s conduct has traumatized me and brought shame to my family, who believed I was on the path to marriage with him.”
According to her, Annan may be suffering from a psychiatric condition, citing his unpredictable outbursts and insistence on locking her in her own home during arguments.
The plaintiff is seeking GH¢200,000 for emotional distress and an additional GH¢300,000 for lost earnings after quitting her job.
She has also requested that the court order a psychiatric evaluation of Annan and that he stay at least 400 meters away from her.
She has further asked that Annan’s access to their child be contingent on completing the psychiatric evaluation.
“I want justice for the time and opportunities wasted, and for the harm caused to my dignity and reputation,” Lydia Lartey told the court.
The case is set to continue as the court considers Lartey’s claims and the Defendant’s response.