Dear GhanaWeb: Why do men neglect their paternal responsibilities?

Dear GhanaWeb,

I have been married to a stingy man for 20 years, and life hasn’t been easy for me nor the children.

This man has refused to lend a helping hand, and I have been single-handedly taking care of our children, from paying school fees to feeding them.

He seldom leaves money, and when he does, he gives me GHC 300.00 and instructs me to spend it over 2 months.

My eldest son gained admission to the university last year, and raising money for his school fees became a headache for me.

I told my husband about our son’s admission, and as usual, he shouted at me and said he had no money.

I was discussing my challenges with a friend who knew my plight, and she advised me to do something. She suggested I stage my daughter’s abduction to retrieve money from my husband.

I gave it some thought and decided to do it. The first plan was successful, and I was surprised my husband could afford the GHC 30,000 ransom.

The second plan was to get a doctor to diagnose me with an illness that needed urgent surgery. With that, I got GHC 20,000 from him.

So, my husband has money and is refusing to take care of his own family? I asked myself.

On the third plan, I wasn't lucky. I was caught, and now he is threatening to sue me for fraud.

Was I wrong to defraud my husband when we needed money to sustain the house?

Dear GhanaWeb is a relationship and lifestyle advice column by GhanaWeb where the GhanaWeb audience responds to your questions and problems about relationships at home, work, and beyond. Share yours with GhanaWeb at features@ghanaweb.com: