Obra show: Woman seeks divorce, custody of daughter and compensation from husband

Elizabeth Annan has sought divorce, custody of her 13-year-old daughter, and financial compensation from her husband, DSP Emmanuel Osei, alleging his abandonment and infidelity. On the Obra Show, Elizabeth recounted meeting Osei when she was 21 and working at a hostel in Bogoso. He moved into her hostel and allegedly sexually assaulted her on their first night together.

Three weeks later, Elizabeth learned she was pregnant and informed Osei, who then allegedly took her to Accra for traditional marriage rites. However, upon returning to Accra to give birth, Elizabeth claims she discovered Osei was involved with another woman. She returned to Accra with their daughter but eventually divorced him, raising their child alone.

Elizabeth alleges that when their daughter was five or six, her mother sent her to stay with Osei's mother for a year while she prepared for her WASSCE examinations; Osei later took the child from his mother's care without informing Elizabeth. The journalist states she has not seen her daughter for the past seven years, despite trying to reunite with her.

Responding to the allegations, DSP Osei said he took custody of the child in 2022 to care for her after Elizabeth repeatedly demanded it and claimed she frequently fell ill. He insists that Elizabeth is free to visit their daughter but would not live with him overnight. Osei further stated he would not relinquish custody unless a court orders him to do so.

Elizabeth wants the marriage dissolved, custody of her 13-year-old daughter, and compensation for their years apart and emotional distress.