A senior officer of the Ghana Police Service has warned that deliberately denying a spouse sexual relations may amount to emotional abuse under Ghanaian law.
According to the police, such conduct could lead to prosecution and possible jail time if a complaint is filed and proven in court.
What the Law Says
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dennis Fiakpui, made the disclosure during an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Thursday.
Fiakpui serves as the Oti Regional Deputy Police Commander. He explained that Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act 732 of 2007 recognises emotional abuse within marriage and intimate relationships.
Under the law, any behaviour that causes emotional distress to a partner can attract legal consequences.
Sexual Denial as Emotional Abuse
Fiakpui said intentionally withholding sex in a way that harms a partner emotionally may qualify as abuse.
“Denying your partner sex can amount to emotional abuse,” he stated.
He added that women who refuse their husbands sexual relations could face charges. If convicted, the offence carries a possible prison sentence of up to two years.
Law Applies to Both Men and Women
However, the police officer stressed that the law does not target women alone.
He explained that husbands who deny their wives sexual relations could also be reported and investigated under the same provisions.
According to him, the law applies equally to both spouses, regardless of gender.
Other Forms of Emotional Abuse
Fiakpui further noted that emotional abuse goes beyond sexual relations.
He cited examples such as a husband consistently refusing to eat his wife’s food. He also mentioned habitual late-night returns that cause emotional distress.
“If your husband refuses to eat your food and makes you unhappy, you can report it,” he said. “If he keeps coming home late and causes emotional pain, you can also make a case.”
Such complaints, he explained, can be lodged with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).
Advice to Couples
The senior police officer urged individuals experiencing emotional abuse in marriage to seek help.
Rather than suffering in silence, he advised affected persons to report cases through appropriate legal channels.
