Krobos' perception of dipo contemporary Ghana: A case study of Somanya, Yilo Krobo district

Abstract

Dipo is an initiation rite performed among the Krobos to usher in adolescent girls into adulthood. The practice has undergone many changes over the years. This study was aimed at exploring Krobo’s perception of contemporary dipo in Ghana with emphasis on the practice of initiating under age girls before their adolescence. These young girls who have become the subject of dipo at the pre-adolescent stage have rather been exposed to teenage pregnancy, which is contrary to the ideals of dipo. The dissertation has the advantage of serving as a guide or advice to opinion leaders and cultural maintainers in the society. Questionnaires and interviews were the main methods of data collection while simple statistical tools such as percentages and frequencies were used in analyzing the data. The finding of the study showed that the aims of dipo (preserving the virginity of young girls before entering into marriage, and preparing young girls for marriage) were not being achieved. Many dipo girls were not entering into marriage after the practices (because they were too young to do so. However, most of them were practicing pre-marital sex. The study also revealed a high perception among the people that, dipo in contemporary Ghana had outlived its usefulness and had been reduced to just a traditional ceremony. In line with these findings, the researcher suggested that opinion leaders and cultural maintainers in the study area should meet to discuss the way forward for dipo so as to check the immoral act growing among the young dipo girls.