The 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has uncovered a concerning trend: more women than men in Ghana believe that a man is justified in beating up his wife for various reasons.
According to the survey, 19% of women expressed support for wife beating, compared to 16% of men. Reasons cited by women for justifying such violence included burning food, arguing with the husband, going out without permission, neglecting children, and refusing sexual intercourse.
Child neglect emerged as the primary concern for both men and women, with 10% of women and 7% of men agreeing that a wife should be beaten for going out without permission. Similarly, 7% of women and 4% of men believed that refusal of sexual intercourse warranted physical violence.
While the percentages of women and men supporting wife beating have decreased over the years—from 49% in women and 33% in men in 2003 to 19% and 16% respectively in 2022—the persistence of such attitudes remains troubling.
Professor Emeritus Kofi Awusabo-Asare, a specialist in population, environment, and development, expressed concern over the psychological acceptance of violence against women. He emphasized the urgent need to address these ingrained attitudes through empowerment initiatives.
Madam Abena Asamoabea Osei-Akoto, Director of Survey and Censuses at GSS, echoed Professor Awusabo-Asare's sentiments, denouncing wife beating and highlighting the normalization of violence in many Ghanaian households. She emphasized the importance of breaking this cycle of normalized violence and promoting respectful communication and conflict resolution.
In conclusion, the GDHS sheds light on gender disparities in attitudes towards domestic violence in Ghana, highlighting the need for comprehensive efforts to address underlying social norms and promote gender equality and respect.
