Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a pervasive yet under recognised challenge in many communities in Ghana.
This study by Ummu Markwei (PhD) and Kwaku Osei-Hwedie (PhD) sheds light on the multifaceted nature of this issue, revealing disturbing patterns, cultural influences and the urgent need for intervention.
The study, titled “Betrayed and Broken: A Study of the Experiences of Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in the Ga Community in Accra, draws from in-depth interviews with 17 children aged 10 to 15 who experienced sexual abuse.
The researchers highlight that while official statistics estimate thousands of cases annually, the true prevalence is likely much higher due to cultural silence, fear and underreporting.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that approximately 223 million children worldwide have experienced sexual violence, with Africa and Asia recording some of the highest figures.
In Ghana, despite legal protections such as the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act of 1998 and the Children’s Act, enforcement remains a challenge and many victims suffer in silence.
Forms of sexual abuse identified
Forced Sexual Acts (Coercion and Violence)
Many children in the study described being coerced into sexual activities through threats, deception or physical violence.
For example, one girl recounted how her father, often intoxicated, forced her into sex and threatened her with death if she disclosed the abuse.
The narratives reveal that perpetrators include neighbors, family friends and strangers who exploit children’s ignorance and vulnerability.
Physical injuries and trauma are common, with some victims experiencing lifelong health consequences.
Incest – Family-based abuse
Incest emerged as a distressing form of CSA, primarily involving fathers and uncles.
Due to cultural taboos surrounding family shame, victims rarely disclose such abuse.
One 12-year-old girl described how her father, after drinking, began abusing her, forcing her into sex and threatening her to remain silent.
The societal shame surrounding incest often results in secrecy, allowing such abuse to persist unchallenged.
Victims often experience emotional scars, shame and physical injuries, impacting their mental health well into adulthood.
‘Joleying’ (Consensual but problematic relationships)
In the Ga society, ‘joleying’ refers to romantic or sexual relationships between children and older partners.
The study indicates that children as young as 11 engage in these relationships, believing they are expressions of love or social obligation.
Many children see ‘joleying’ as consensual, unaware that Ghanaian law prohibits children under 16 from giving legal consent.
These relationships are often trivialised by community members, who see them as normal social interactions, thus complicating efforts to recognise and curb such practices.
Transactional Sex – Survival Strategy
Economic hardship is a significant driver of transactional sex among children.
Many engage in sexual activities with older, often wealthier individuals, in exchange for money, food, clothing or shelter.
For example, one orphan girl, Naa Kwaley, described how her poverty compelled her to accept a relationship with an older man who provides for her needs, despite her understanding that it is exploitative.
Such relationships often lead to pregnancy, emotional distress and long-term psychological harm.
Role of cultural norms, socioeconomic factors
The study emphasises that socio-cultural norms in the Ga community contribute to the normalisation and concealment of sexual abuse.
Traditional housing arrangements, where children observe their parents’ sexual activities, create environments where sexual behavior is learned early, sometimes leading to abuse or imitative behavior.
Furthermore, community attitudes tend to dismiss or trivialise certain sexual practices involving children, especially ‘joleying’ and transactional sex, as normal or harmless. This normalisation acts as a barrier to reporting abuse and holding perpetrators accountable.
Barriers to disclosure, support
Victims often refrain from reporting abuse due to shame, fear of disbelief, or retaliation. Many families prefer to resolve issues privately to preserve their reputation, further silencing victims.
The law, though clear on age and consent, is often not enforced strictly, partly due to community ignorance and cultural beliefs.
The psychological, physical toll on victims
Children who experience CSA face immediate physical injuries, emotional trauma, and social stigma.
The study documents cases where victims suffer injuries to their genital organs, experience shame, depression, and social exclusion.
The long-term effects include difficulties in emotional regulation, trust issues, educational setbacks and challenges in forming healthy relationships later in life.
Recommendations for action
The authors advocate for a comprehensive approach to tackling CSA:
Community education and sensitisation: Raising awareness about the different forms of CSA, emphasising that practices like ‘joleying’ and transactional sex are forms of abuse under Ghanaian law and promoting open discussions to de-stigmatise victims.
Legal enforcement: Strengthening the implementation of existing laws, ensuring perpetrators are prosecuted and victims receive justice.
Support systems: Establishing counseling and health services tailored to child victims, including psychological support to aid recovery from trauma.
Parental and teacher training: Educating adults about safeguarding children, recognising abuse signs and fostering open communication.
Culturally sensitive interventions: Engaging community leaders and elders in dialogues to challenge harmful practices while respecting cultural norms.
Conclusion
This research underscores that child sexual abuse in the Ga community is a multifaceted and culturally rooted issue that demands urgent attention.
Breaking the silence requires collective action involving communities, government agencies, and civil society to protect children’s rights and ensure their safety, dignity and future.
Call to action
As Ghana continues to develop, safeguarding its children must be a priority.
Addressing the cultural, social and economic factors that enable CSA is essential for building a safer environment where children can grow free from the threat of abuse.
It is time for Ghana to confront this hidden crisis head-on and uphold its commitment to protecting its most vulnerable.
• The writer is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, Business Administration University of Professional Studies, Accra.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh