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The Ghana Police Service has said that the persistent denial of sexual relations within marriage could amount to emotional abuse and may attract a prison term of up to two years under the country’s domestic violence laws.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Dennis Fiakpui, the Oti Regional Deputy Police Commander, disclosed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
Fiakpui explained that Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act 732 of 2007 recognises emotional abuse within intimate relationships and provides legal remedies for affected partners.
According to him, a spouse who deliberately withholds sex in a manner that causes emotional distress may be reported to the police, investigated, and charged if the allegation is proven.
“Denying your partner sex can amount to emotional abuse,” Fiakpui said.
He said the law applies equally to both men and women, adding that spouses who consistently deny their partners sexual relations could face legal action.
Fiakpui noted that emotional abuse is not limited to sexual denial, explaining that other actions or behaviour within marriage that cause emotional pain could also fall under the law.
“If your husbands refuse to eat your food and make you unhappy and cause you emotional pain, you can also report it to the police, and if your husbands come home late and cause you to be unhappy, you can make a case at DOVSSU,” he said, referring affected persons to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the police.
The police officer urged individuals who feel emotionally abused in their marriages to seek help through legal channels rather than endure such situations in silence.
