15 Ghanaian Stereotypes That Hinder Progress

Every family has its do’s and don’ts, especially when it comes to values that parents and guardians hold dear and want their children to grow up with. This is mostly the case especially regarding values and beliefs that society reveres. Most of these values are shaped by society and can be described as unwritten rules.

I believe that some of these values and unwritten rules are not beneficial to members of society and by extension our country. I say this considering the fact that the world is fast-changing and current happenings in relation to kids’ exposure, access to information, education and gender equality are immense.

You are probably wondering what I am referring to as backward stereotypes, beliefs, and cultures. Below are some of the practices and values that I believe are fast becoming redundant and unhelpful. If you grew up in Ghana like me, you may have heard or experienced the following.

1. Shut up when an adult is speaking.
2. Never call an adult a liar, even when they tell a lot of lies.
3. A good woman must be good at house chores, most importantly cooking. Sparkling pans and dishes, clothes washed and lined up nicely on the dry line, and a satisfied husband is her pride.
4. A man must never cry.
5. A man must be strong and be the provider of the home.
6. A man who does house chores is a weak man.
7. It is disrespectful to use your left hand when speaking or handing something to another person.
8. A ‘proper man’ eats a lot of food and clears his bowl.
9. A good/decent woman must cover up, otherwise, she will attract men sexually; if she gets sexually assaulted by a man, it is her fault.
10. Women who under-dress according to society’s standards are sex-workers.
11. A woman who is ‘too educated’ will find it difficult to get a husband.
12. A woman who talks back at a man is not ‘wife material’.
13. A woman who can endure suffering and pain in her marital home without leaving is a strong woman.
14. A man who sleeps with a lot of women is a ‘play boy’ or ‘hard guy’; a woman who sleeps with a lot of men is a slut.
15. Children who are outspoken are ‘too-known’

Which other stereotypes, beliefs, and values do you think have outlived their relevance or are damaging to our society’s growth and progress? Leave them in the comments section below.

Meanwhile, you may be interested in the following:

5 Things African Parents Do That They Should Not Be Doing