Obaa Yaa
He brings girls into our bedroom
Dear ObaaYaa,
Though our marriage five years ago was not without problems, we moved on and were blessed with a child who has brought joy to the family.
We managed to pass through unpleasant situations and now that our economic conditions are changing for the better, my husband has been bringing girls home to sleep with and the problem is getting out of control and disturbing me. I did not hesitate to ask him the first time l had wind that he was involved in an extramarital affair but he denied it.
I was worried because when he had no job, l used the little capital l had to support the family to stand on its feet. I took responsibility of the rent, the schooling of our child and other needs that one can imagine.
Though l tried to overlook this problem, it is making me worried, a situation which could result in health problems for me. I have reported the matter to the parents but he has not changed.
Should l call for a divorce or employ another method to deal with the problem?
Maame Esi, Takoradi.
Dear Maame Esi,
I can imagine the pain in your heart because you had spent your resources to improve the lot of your family in order to enjoy a better life together.
It is quite surprising the arrogance with which your husband is conducting himself even to the extent of disrespecting the advice of his parents.
Calling for divorce now will not solve the problem since you have a child for him. If you divorce him the possibility of your husband shirking his responsibilities to your child is great since he could say that any money given out for the upkeep of the child could be used to cater for another man.
Stay in the marriage and work out things to change because if you leave your child with him, the possibility of the child suffering hatred, molestation and deprivation is great. I will advise you to report him to your pastor and out of shame he will shun this character.
Dear Obaa Yaa,
I am a father of two children from my previous marriage.
Unfortunately, the marriage ended because of my ex-wife’s persistent toxic behaviour, which began to affect not only our business but also the emotional well-being of our children. Eventually, the court took notice of the situation and granted me full custody of the children, who are now 13 and 10 years old.
Since then, their mother has been largely absent from their lives. She barely checks on them and once told me, rather bluntly, “Since they mean more to you, don’t look for me again.”
I have done my best to raise them with love, stability, and a sense of security despite her absence.
Recently, I was given a life-changing opportunity to travel abroad for work, with the option to relocate with both children. As part of my preparation, I decided to conduct a DNA test, mainly for personal clarity.
The results have left me deeply shaken.
They revealed that my younger child is not biologically mine, while the older one is.
Now, I find myself in a difficult position. The company offering me employment has structured my benefits based on the number of dependents I declared. One of the children I have listed is, by blood, not mine.
I am confused, hurt, and unsure of the right thing to do both morally and practically.
Obaa Yaa, please, what should I do?
Kenneth, Koforidua.
Dear Kenneth
What you are facing goes beyond DNA. It is about the meaning of fatherhood. For 10 years, you have raised this child with love, care, and responsibility.
That bond is real, and the child is innocent in this situation.
Before making any decision, reflect on whether this new information will truly change how you see or treat the child who has always known you as their father.
On the practical side, consider the legal and employment implications carefully. Since you have full custody, both children are still legally your dependents, and many systems recognise guardianship, not just biology.
However, it would be wise to quietly review your employment terms or seek legal advice to ensure that you are not unintentionally putting yourself at risk, especially with relocation abroad.
Ultimately, this decision is about both compassion and responsibility. Think about the emotional impact on the children and whether separating them would do more harm than good. You have an opportunity to shape their future. Approach it with both wisdom and heart, taking time to decide what kind of father you want to continue to be.
Dear Obaa Yaa,
I am a 19-year-old girl living with my father in Accra. About two years ago, my father made sexual advances toward me. Since then, he has continued to harass me, but I have always refused.
I reported the issue to my mother, who lives in the village. However, when I returned to Accra, my father continued his behaviour. Last year, he told me that if I agreed to sleep with him, he would give me anything I wanted.
About six months ago, around midnight, he came to me and said he wanted to marry me because he found me very beautiful and did not want any other man to have me.
I feel deeply disturbed and angry. The thought of this is unbearable, and I have even considered taking my own life because marrying my father is a taboo.
Baaba, Nungua.
Dear Baaba,
Please do not harm yourself. You have done nothing wrong, and you do not deserve this. The person at fault is your father, and he must be held accountable for his actions.
I strongly advise that you leave your father’s house immediately. Do not allow him to stop you. If you have nowhere else to stay, go to your mother in the village for now.
Speak honestly with your mother about what has been happening. Together, inform trusted members of both your father’s and your mother’s families. A family meeting should be arranged so your father can be confronted about his behaviour.
If he denies the allegations, shows no remorse, or threatens you at any point, you must report the matter to the police without delay.
If you return to Accra in the future, do not live with your father again. During the family discussions, arrangements should also be made to ensure your father continues to support you financially until you are able to care for yourself independently.
