“Withhold Séx from Your Husband, Go to Jaïl” — Ghana Police Issues Stern Warning

The Ghana Police Service has cautioned that consistently refusing sexual relations within marriage could be treated as emotional abuse under the country’s Domestic Violence Act.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Fiakpui, the Oti Regional Deputy Police Commander, explained to the Ghana News Agency that the 2007 law recognizes acts that cause emotional distress in intimate relationships as punishable offenses.

ACP Fiakpui stated that a spouse who deliberately withholds sex in a way that inflicts emotional harm could face legal action if a complaint is filed and proven in court. He specified that women who refuse their husbands could be charged and, upon conviction, face up to two years in prison. The law applies equally to husbands who deny their wives.

He also noted that other behaviors causing emotional pain such as a husband refusing to eat food prepared by his wife or consistently returning home late can be reported to the police’s Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSSU). The police emphasized the law’s focus on emotional harm and encouraged victims to seek legal help.

This warning underscores Ghana’s efforts to address non-physical forms of domestic abuse within marital relationships.