Borrowing money? The rule is simple: pay it back on time. But, as this District Court case in Ejisu shows, not everyone gets the memo. What started as a small GH₵2,000 loan ended up as a courtroom cautionary tale—one with some pricey consequences!
The Loan That Wasn’t Coming Back
Back in September 2023, our Defendant borrowed GH₵2,000 from a non-bank lender, agreeing to pay it off (with interest) by December 15, 2023. But fast-forward to the due date, and the lender had only seen GH₵630 of it, leaving a balance of GH₵2,090 just… hanging.
The lender tried calling, emailing, reminding—you name it—but when that didn’t work, they turned to the court for help. On February 13, 2024, they filed the case, asking the court to bring in the rest of the cash, plus interest, and a bit extra for all the trouble.
Showtime – But No Star in Sight
Finally, on May 7, 2024, it was court time. The lender showed up with every receipt and record ready to go. The Defendant, however? Missing in action! But here’s the thing about court cases: if you skip out, you’re basically handing the other side a golden ticket.
The judge allowed the lender to present their case. Richmond Appiah, the lender’s determined Recovery Executive, took the stand armed with evidence.
The Evidence That Spoke Louder Than Words
On the stand, Richmond Appiah, the lender’s Recovery Executive, came ready. Armed with:
- Proof of Credentials: Exhibit B—showing they were a properly registered financial institution.
- The Loan Agreement: Exhibit C—a clear record of the original loan amount, repayment plan, and deadlines.
- Payment Records: Exhibit E—details of those few payments the Defendant had made, with a glaring GH₵2,090 still staring back at them as unpaid.
Each piece of evidence was airtight, and with the Defendant absent, it looked like there was no argument to be made.
The Court’s Ruling: Pay Up!
The judge didn’t hesitate. With no defence in sight, judgment went to the Plaintiff. The Defendant was ordered to settle up the GH₵2,090 balance with interest, stretching all the way back to September 15, 2023, and to cover an extra GH₵600 in court costs. All that for a no-show! A tough—and expensive—lesson learned. .
Key Takeaways from a Costly Absence
This court tale serves as a friendly (or not-so-friendly) reminder for borrowers everywhere. Here are the biggest lessons:
- Keep Your End of the Bargain: If you sign up for a loan, treat it like a VIP obligation. Partial payments don’t excuse the rest.
- Show Up in Court: Not showing up when you’re summoned can be a costly mistake. It’s like telling the judge, “Do what you will”—and they just might.
- Paperwork Saves the Day: For lenders, detailed documentation can be your best friend. The right paperwork made this case straightforward and quick for the lender.
And there you have it—a straightforward case of missed payments handled calmly by the District Court, Ejisu. The takeaway? When it comes to loans, skipping payments doesn’t mean skipping responsibility—or a court date.
David Amaara Adaawin on behalf of OSD and Partners. [email protected]
