DAMBAI — Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Fiakpui, the Oti Regional Deputy Commander, has sparked widespread debate by stating that denying a spouse sexual relations can constitute emotional abuse under Ghana's Domestic Violence Act 732 of 2007, potentially leading to charges and up to two years' imprisonment upon conviction. The remarks, made during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, emphasize that the law applies equally to both men and women.
ACP Fiakpui explained that women who refuse their husbands sex could face emotional abuse charges, and if found guilty, risk a maximum jail term of two years. He extended the same principle to men, encouraging wives who feel emotionally distressed by their husbands' refusal to engage in sexual activity, refuse to eat their food, or come home late to report such behavior to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
“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 DOVVSU,” Fiakpui said. He added that women who refuse to provide sex to their husbands should similarly be reported, underscoring mutual accountability in marriage.
The officer's comments highlight what he describes as forms of conduct causing emotional pain within intimate relationships, falling under the Act's provisions on psychological or emotional abuse. Ghana's Domestic Violence Act 732 of 2007 defines domestic violence broadly to include physical, sexual, economic, and emotional/psychological abuse within domestic relationships, with penalties including fines or imprisonment for up to two years depending on the severity.
The statement has ignited intense public discourse across Ghana, with social media users, commentators, and legal observers questioning the practicality and implications of interpreting the law in this manner. Many have criticized the remarks as an overreach, arguing that marital intimacy issues are private matters best resolved through counseling or mediation rather than criminal prosecution. Others expressed concern that such interpretations could trivialize genuine domestic violence cases or strain police resources.
Critics pointed out that while the Act addresses emotional abuse—defined as behavior causing mental anguish or fear—the specific application to sexual denial in marriage has not been commonly enforced or tested in courts. Legal experts note that proving emotional abuse requires evidence of intent to cause harm and significant distress, and no known precedents directly link routine denial of sex to criminal charges under the Act.
The Ghana Police Service has not issued an official clarification or endorsement of Fiakpui's personal interpretation as of December 18, 2025. DOVVSU, established to handle domestic violence complaints, focuses primarily on severe cases involving physical harm, threats, or economic deprivation.
This is not the first time similar claims have surfaced. In 2019, another DOVVSU coordinator made comparable statements, drawing public backlash for potentially conflating marital disputes with criminal abuse.
Fiakpui's remarks come amid broader efforts by police to raise awareness about domestic violence, which remains prevalent in Ghana. According to reports, emotional and psychological abuse often accompanies physical violence, affecting many households.
Public reactions on social media platforms have been polarized. Some users mocked the idea, questioning if everyday marital disagreements like late returns home could lead to arrests. Others supported the emphasis on mutual respect in relationships, viewing it as a call for emotional accountability.
Women's rights advocates have cautioned against interpretations that could pressure individuals into unwanted intimacy, potentially conflicting with consent principles. The Act explicitly protects against sexual abuse, including coerced acts.
As discussions continue, the comments highlight ongoing challenges in implementing Ghana's domestic violence laws, enacted to protect victims while balancing cultural norms around marriage.
The Ghana Police Service encourages reporting of genuine abuse through DOVVSU, but experts advise seeking counseling for relational issues before legal escalation.
Fiakpui's statement, while aimed at promoting equality under the law, has reignited debates on the boundaries of criminal intervention in private marital dynamics.
