Refusing Sex Can Lead to Jail in Ghana – Police Officer Explains Domestic Violence Law

Refusing Sex Could Be a Crime in Ghana

An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dennis Fiakpui, has stated that refusing to have sex with your partner could result in jail time under Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732).

What the Law Says

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, the Oti Regional Deputy Police Commander explained that denying a partner sex can be seen as emotional abuse if it causes emotional pain or distress.

According to him, women who repeatedly refuse sexual intercourse with their husbands can be reported to the police. If found guilty, they may face up to two years in prison.

Men Can Also Be Reported

ACP Fiakpui added that the law applies to both men and women. Men who deny their wives sex can also be reported and jailed for up to two years if found guilty.

Other Acts That Can Be Reported

He further explained that emotional abuse is not limited to sex alone.

Examples include:

A husband refusing to eat his wife’s food Coming home late in a way that causes emotional pain Any action that makes a partner unhappy over time

Such cases, he said, can be reported to DOVVSU (Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit) for investigation.