Abstract
Although homosexuality is a crime in Ghana, like many others in Africa, it is practiced in both the provincial towns and communities and in the major urban centres. Generally the society is reticent about discussing sex, yet the national society is as over-sexualized as those societies that openly discuss sex. This paper investigated the incidence and prevalence of homosexuality and lesbianism in Ghana. Assessment was done on association among psychosocial background, sexual attitudes and homosexuality, including the use of paraphernalia in the sexual lives of the people. This cross-sectional study consisted of questionnaire survey and documentary review on the internet. Respondents completed self-administered and anonymous survey with open-ended question about their sexuality and sexual preferences. The sample consisted of N = 1068 respondents. Sampling selection was of random, pre-stratified by gender and region, which was based on the population survey by the Ghana Statistical Service for 2009. We found that the national attitudes towards homosexuality in general were changing from ambivalence to focused activism and agitation against homosexuality on one hand and acceptance on the other hand. Homosexuality and lesbian practices are prevalent in all socio-economic classes and ages of society. The study revealed that pornography and other sex media were accepted as part of the sexual repertoire of Ghanaian society. The societal reticence about sexuality that exists among the population tends to distort sexual beliefs, and imposes fear and dishonesty in sexual identification. This situation may complicate interventions for sexually transmitted diseases, as well as sexual or mental health.
Highlights
The predominant sexual group in Ghana is those who describe themselves as heterosexual
It is fair to think that homosexual and bisexual as well as transgender sexual individuals are present in Ghana this in
It is imperative to encourage open and honest discussion of sex, sexuality and sexual activities in order to identify the gaps in the socio-cultural framework as well as in the legislative framework and address them
Summary
The predominant sexual group in Ghana is those who describe themselves as heterosexual. It has been reported that homophobic individuals are described as status-conscious, anal retentive, authoritarian, sexually-rigid persons, who see homosexuals as sick people (Kan et al, 2009; Smith, 1987; Bleek, 1976; Lumby, 1976; Osei, 2011). Those who have positive attitudes towards homosexual are more likely to have personal contact with homosexuals (Milham et al, 1976; Glassner & Owen, 1979; Bowman, 1979). Age (years) 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 35 36 - 40 41 - 45 Sex Female Male
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