In a recent interview explaining his legislative agenda, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has outlined his reasons for pushing a Private Member’s Bill to criminalise paternity fraud in Ghana. The proposal seeks to make it a criminal offence for someone to intentionally misrepresent a child’s paternity, leaving men legally, financially, and emotionally responsible for children who are not biologically theirs.
What Is Paternity Fraud and Why It Matters
Paternity fraud occurs when a man is led to believe — often through omission or deception — that he is the biological father of a child when that is not the case. Under current Ghanaian law, there is no specific statute criminalising such deception, and cases are typically handled as civil disputes or under general provisions such as defrauding by false pretences in the Criminal Offences Act. Legal experts note this gap leaves men with limited recourse when they discover, often years later, that they have carried parental obligations for a child who is not theirs.
A Plus’s Rationale for Criminalisation
A Plus argues criminalisation is necessary to protect men from severe lifelong consequences — emotionally and financially — stemming from misattributed paternity. He believes intentional deception over a child’s biological heritage is fraud that should carry legal penalties. Supporters argue that without criminal sanctions, paternity fraud will continue unchecked and victims will have little deterrence or justice. A Plus’s statement elaborates this position.
Public Debate and Counterarguments
The proposal has sparked debate in Ghanaian public and legal circles. Critics warn that criminalising paternity fraud risks turning private family disputes into criminal cases, potentially overburdening the justice system. Some legal scholars suggest that family disputes might be better handled through civil law reforms or preventive measures rather than criminal penalties. Experts continue to discuss the pros and cons.
Alternative Policy Perspectives
Other options under discussion include mandated or voluntary DNA testing systems at birth to prevent disputes. Early genetic certainty could protect families without resorting to criminalisation, though such measures raise privacy, consent, and cost concerns. Policy analysts debate these alternatives.
Implications for Ghana’s Legal Framework
Currently, Ghana lacks explicit legislation criminalising paternity fraud, and most disputes are civil. If A Plus’s bill passes, it would represent a major shift in family law, requiring new rules on DNA evidence and balancing privacy with legal accountability. Legal implications are far-reaching.
The Broader Societal Conversation
The debate touches on family integrity, fairness, and gender roles in Ghanaian society. Supporters frame it as protecting rights and deterring deception, while opponents warn against eroding trust in intimate relationships. Whether through criminal sanctions, DNA policies, or civil reforms, the conversation sparks important national dialogue. Society must balance competing rights and values.
