A senior Ghanaian police officer has issued a stark warning that refusing to have sex with one's spouse could lead to criminal charges and a potential prison sentence. The statement has ignited discussions about marital rights and the scope of domestic violence laws.
Legal Basis: The Domestic Violence Act 2007
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Fiakpui, who serves as the Oti Regional Deputy Commander, clarified the legal position during an interview with the Ghana News Agency. He cited Act 732 of 2007, Ghana's Domestic Violence Act, as the legislation under which such actions could be prosecuted.
ACP Fiakpui explained that the act defines emotional, psychological, and verbal abuse as forms of domestic violence. He argued that a consistent and deliberate denial of sexual intimacy by one partner can inflict severe emotional pain and psychological distress on the other, thereby falling under the ambit of the law.
Who Can Be Charged and How to Report
The police commander was explicit that the law applies to both husbands and wives. Women who refuse their husbands sex can be reported and charged, just as men who deny their wives can face the same legal consequences. He encouraged spouses who feel they are victims of such emotional abuse to come forward.
"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," ACP Fiakpui stated. He further advised that complaints about partners coming home late and causing unhappiness could be made at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSSU).
Potential Consequences and Maximum Sentence
The consequences for a conviction under this provision of the Domestic Violence Act are severe. According to ACP Fiakpui, an individual found guilty of this form of emotional abuse faces a maximum imprisonment term of two years. This highlights the seriousness with which Ghanaian law can treat what some might consider private marital disputes.
This clarification from a high-ranking police official serves as a public reminder of the extensive provisions within the country's domestic violence legislation. It underscores that abuse within a marriage is not limited to physical violence but encompasses actions that cause deep psychological harm.
The revelation, made on December 18, 2025, is expected to prompt widespread debate among legal experts, human rights advocates, and the general public regarding the boundaries of marital obligation, personal autonomy, and state intervention in private relationships.
