By Frank Kamuntu
In a world where the lines between personal relationships and legal matters are becoming increasingly blurred, a Ghanaian female lawyer has made waves by presenting an unusual yet intriguing perspective on relationship dynamics. Neilly Birago Aidoo, a seasoned attorney, recently took to her social media platforms to discuss what many might consider an unorthodox view on breaches of contract, particularly in the context of personal relationships.
In a post that has sparked debate across social media, Aidoo drew a parallel between legal contracts and interpersonal agreements, suggesting that if a woman agrees to visit a man, accepts transportation money, and then fails to show up, the man can actually take legal action against her for breach of contract. To some, the statement might seem humorous or absurd, but to others, it raises an interesting discussion about how expectations, promises, and agreements should be treated in both legal and personal realms.
The Initial Statement: A Shocking Claim
Aidoo, known for her candid opinions and legal expertise, shared the following on her official social media page:
“You agree with a lady to come over, you give her money for transportation and she does not show up.”
She continued to explain that in such a scenario, the man in question has the right to take legal action, as this would constitute a breach of contract. According to her, the arrangement between the two individuals—where the man provides transportation money based on a mutual agreement—can be considered a binding contract. Therefore, failure to fulfill this agreement could potentially lead to legal consequences.
“That’s a breach of contract, and you can sue her,” she boldly concluded in her post.
Understanding the Legal Basis: Can Personal Agreements Be Treated Like Contracts?
At first glance, Aidoo’s statement might seem to some as an overreach or an oversimplification of the complexities of legal contracts. Traditionally, legal contracts are formal agreements with clear terms, written documentation, and obligations that are enforceable in a court of law. These contracts are usually between businesses, companies, or individuals for services, goods, or promises with tangible value.
However, Aidoo’s argument challenges the notion that only formal agreements can be legally binding. She draws attention to the unspoken, informal contracts that often govern human interactions—such as promises between friends, partners, and even strangers. In the context of a romantic or social arrangement, Aidoo contends that an agreement (even one based on verbal consent) could still constitute a contract, provided it involves an exchange or a commitment, like the example of transportation money in her post.
While this approach might not be directly applicable in a court of law—especially given the informal and often unwritten nature of personal agreements—it opens up an important discussion about expectations and accountability in relationships. The question, according to Aidoo, is not whether such a contract can be legally enforced but whether it should be respected, much like any other agreement.
The Concept of “Breach of Contract” in Personal Relationships
Aidoo’s post may raise eyebrows for its boldness, but it also challenges people to rethink how they view promises in personal relationships. In essence, she’s asking whether a mutual agreement that involves time, money, or other resources can be treated with the same seriousness as any other contract.
In the scenario presented, the woman’s failure to show up after accepting the money for transportation could be viewed as a form of non-performance of an agreement, a fundamental element of a breach of contract. Under contract law, for an agreement to be valid, there must be an offer, an acceptance, and consideration—something of value exchanged between the parties. Aidoo’s example—where the man offers money for transportation, and the woman agrees to come over in exchange—could be interpreted as a basic form of this.
However, when we delve into more traditional contract law, the informal and often subjective nature of personal promises can create legal grey areas. While contracts between individuals (such as in business transactions) are written with clear expectations, promises in personal relationships often hinge on trust, respect, and shared understanding, not legal obligation.
The Gender Divide: Men and Women React
Of course, Aidoo’s statement did not go unnoticed. It sent ripples through the internet, garnering a wide range of reactions, especially from men and women. Some men, who often feel that their time and resources are undervalued in relationships, saw Aidoo’s post as a moment of validation. For them, it seemed like an answer to their frustrations about unfulfilled promises or one-sided expectations in relationships. Many men expressed amusement and support, appreciating Aidoo’s view that women should be held accountable, even in seemingly trivial situations like missed plans or unkept promises.
On the other hand, many women were taken aback by Aidoo’s statement. To them, the idea that a woman could be legally sued for not showing up to a date, for example, seemed extreme and an unnecessary extension of legal proceedings into the realm of personal relationships. Many felt that personal matters, especially those that involve emotions and spontaneity, should remain outside the scope of legal scrutiny. To some, this was an overstep that risked turning something as personal as a romantic arrangement into a transactional and legalistic affair.
Some also raised concerns about the implications for women who may face genuine, unavoidable reasons for not being able to fulfill plans. In these cases, the potential for legal action might seem unfair or unjust, particularly when no harm or intent to deceive is involved.
The Role of Communication in Preventing “Breaches”
While the idea of treating informal promises as legal agreements may seem far-fetched to many, it serves as a reminder of how important clear communication and mutual understanding are in any relationship—romantic or otherwise. Aidoo’s post, while controversial, underscores the significance of honesty and reliability in relationships. In the real world, breaches of trust or failed commitments often stem from a lack of communication, differing expectations, or even misunderstandings about what was agreed upon.
Aidoo’s statement might encourage people to think twice before making commitments—both big and small—and to ensure that when promises are made, there is mutual respect for the other person’s time, effort, and resources. Whether or not we agree that such promises should be treated like legal contracts, her message highlights a deeper need for accountability and transparency in relationships, something that applies across all genders.
Could This Idea Gain Traction?
While it’s unlikely that Aidoo’s suggestion to treat missed promises as breach of contract cases will gain widespread legal adoption, her post does shed light on a broader issue—how we treat promises and expectations in personal relationships. Perhaps, her statements should be seen as a conversation starter about how we can navigate our personal interactions with respect, clear boundaries, and mutual understanding.
In the end, it is clear that relationships—whether personal or professional—are built on agreements that need to be respected. However, the way we address non-fulfillment or “breaches” should be about more than just legal action. It should be about open communication and respect for the other person’s time and commitments.
As the conversation continues, one thing is clear: Neilly Birago Aidoo has sparked a thought-provoking debate about personal responsibility, accountability, and how far the law could—or should—stretch in the context of relationships. Whether her stance is fully accepted or not, it opens the door to deeper conversations on how modern relationships should be governed in today’s world.
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