Female Criminality in Ghana: Perspectives of Inmates and Significant Others of the Sekondi and Kumasi Prisons

Abstract

Global urban crime and violence is estimated to be between three to five percent per year. Alongside this dramatic increase in the world, female crime has also become a major socio-economic problem in Ghana in recent years. Although there are plethora of studies on the subject, little is known about female criminal activities in Ghana, especially when it comes to all female gang and reasons why women commit crime. Data was collected drawing on a semi structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with women in the Sekondi and Kumasi Prisons. The Travis Hirschi (1969) Social Bond theory and Rational Choice theory by Cornish and Clarke and other relevant empirical studies, were used to explain the nature of female criminality in Ghana. From the study, murder, child stealing, narcotics, smuggling, manslaughter, stealing, child assault and robbery were identified as the common crimes committed by women. It was also discovered that age, education, religion and marital status has no influence on female criminality. It was also noted that women societal role did not actually link them directly to the commission of crime. The study is useful for policy formulation of appropriate and relevant policies that will enhance the reduction or eradication of female criminality in Ghana and would contribute to the literature on sociology of crime/criminology and penology. The study recommends a social support system for women.