By our Reporter
The Ghana Police Service has warned that the persistent denial of sexual relations within marriage could be considered emotional abuse under the country’s domestic violence laws.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Fiakpui, Oti Regional Deputy Police Commander, stated this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), explaining that Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act 732 of 2007 recognises certain harmful behaviors in intimate relationships as emotional abuse.
Fiakpui noted that a spouse who deliberately withholds sex in a manner that causes emotional distress may face legal consequences if a complaint is filed and the offense is proven in court. He explained that women who refuse their husbands sexual relations could be charged and, if convicted, face up to two years’ imprisonment. The law applies equally to men, and husbands who deny their wives sex can also be reported and investigated.
He added that other actions causing emotional pain, such as husbands refusing to eat food prepared by their wives or returning home late, can also be reported to the police’s Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSSU). Fiakpui emphasised that the law focuses on emotional harm within a relationship and encouraged those experiencing emotional abuse to seek legal redress rather than suffer in silence.
This warning highlights Ghana’s commitment to addressing domestic emotional abuse and ensuring both spouses are protected under the law.
