Women, Men Can Face Legal Action for Withholding Sex in Marriage – Police

Women, Men Can Face Legal Action for Withholding Sex in Marriage – Police

Accra, Ghana — A senior officer of the Ghana Police Service has stated that the persistent denial of sexual relations within marriage could amount to emotional abuse under the country’s Domestic Violence Act 732 of 2007.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Fiakpui, Oti Regional Deputy Police Commander, made the disclosure while speaking with the Ghana News Agency (GNA). He explained that the law recognises certain behaviours within intimate relationships that cause emotional distress as punishable offences.

READ ALSO:

• JUST IN: Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri Join 64 New Nigerian Ambassadors Approved by Senate
• Academic Programmes Continue as FG Reopens All Unity Colleges Across Nigeria
• Lai Mohammed: Twitter Suspension Not About Buhari’s Deleted Handle

“Denying your partner sex can amount to emotional abuse,” ACP Fiakpui said, stressing that women who refuse sexual relations with their husbands could face legal consequences if complaints are filed and offences are proven in court, with possible imprisonment of up to two years.

He emphasised that the law is gender-neutral, applying equally to men and women. Husbands who deny their wives sexual relations, or engage in conduct causing emotional pain—such as coming home late or withholding food—can also be reported to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSSU) for investigation.

The police officer encouraged individuals who experience emotional abuse in marriage to seek legal redress rather than suffer in silence, underscoring the law’s focus on actions or inactions within relationships that cause emotional harm.

Women, Men Can Face Legal Action for Withholding Sex in Marriage – Police