Ghana’s Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Fiakpui has sparked public debate following comments linking the denial of sex within marriage to emotional abuse under the country’s domestic violence law.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the Oti Regional Deputy Police Commander stated that under Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act 732 of 2007, a partner who deliberately withholds sex and causes emotional distress to their spouse could be held liable for emotional abuse.
According to him, women who repeatedly refuse their husbands sex could face prosecution and, if found guilty, risk a jail term of up to two years. He added that the provision of the law also applies to men who deny their wives sex, encouraging affected women to report such cases to the police.
ACP Fiakpui explained that emotional abuse under the law goes beyond physical acts, noting that behaviours that intentionally cause emotional pain or distress can form the basis of a complaint.
“If your husband refuses to eat your food and that action makes you unhappy or causes emotional pain, you can report it to the police. If he comes home late consistently and that behaviour causes you emotional distress, you can make a case at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU),” he said.
He further emphasized that women who deny their husbands sex in a way that results in emotional harm could also be reported, stressing that the law is gender-neutral and applies equally to both spouses.
The comments have since generated widespread reactions, with many questioning the interpretation and application of the domestic violence law in marital relationships.