Dear GhanaWeb,

I’m a 36-year-old man, married with two children. I used to work as an accountant, but a poor investment decision cost me my job. Since then, my wife, who is a journalist, has been the one supporting the family.

Currently, I have nothing left in my bank account, and I even struggle to pay my children’s school fees. My wife was very supportive at first, but recently, I’ve noticed a change in her behaviour. She no longer treats me with love and affection as she used to. We’ve stopped being intimate, she always claims she’s too tired from work.

She constantly reminds me that I’m unemployed, and it’s really affecting my confidence. I’ve applied to several companies, but none have responded so far.

One day, I went out to look for work, at this point, I’m willing to do any kind of job. Before leaving, my wife had already gone to work and the kids were at school.

When I returned in the evening, I was shocked to find the house empty. Inside, I discovered she had packed up everything and left, with our children.

I was confused and didn’t know what was happening. I called her mother to ask if they were with her, but she said she hadn’t seen them.

I called my wife several times, but she didn’t answer. Days passed without any message or explanation from her.

A week later, her friend called and asked what was going on in my marriage. I explained everything, and she was surprised and sympathetic.

She told me my wife had been staying with her temporarily but had now moved into a rented place where no one could find her. She refused to give me the address but said she wanted me to know what was happening.

Last night, my wife finally texted me, saying she wanted a divorce. When I asked why, she said she was tired of being the sole provider.

She claimed she took the children because she didn’t want them to suffer due to my financial situation.

I was deeply hurt by her words. I told her that if she wants a divorce, I won’t stop her, but I asked her not to take the kids away from me. I pleaded with her to bring them back and let me take care of them, but she refused.

Do I not have the right to be a part of my children’s lives just because I’m currently unemployed? Why has my wife suddenly changed? What can I do to get my children back? I’m frustrated, heartbroken, and don’t know what to do.

FG/EB



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