Implications of the Dipo rites for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in Ghana

Abstract Background Dipo ceremony is not only a rite of passage but also a form of social regulation. However, girls who underwent the Dipo rites are perceived as being sexually mature immediately after the rites, which can expose them to early sexual initiation, pressure to marry, or abuse, threatening their rights to education, bodily autonomy, and health. This study explores community perceptions of the Dipo womanhood rites and their implications for adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Ghana’s Yilo Krobo Municipality. Methods This study used qualitative data from 30 purposively sampled participants, comprising youth, traditional leaders, women who had undergone the rite, and other community members. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants and the transcripts were analysed thematically. The sample was drawn from a single Municipality, and findings reflect context-specific experiences rather than nationally generalisable experiences. Results Six sub-themes emerged relating to the implications of the Dipo rites on adolescent girls’ SRHR : violation of consent, public sexual objectification, reinforcement of gender norms, physical discomfort, early marriage risks, and the absence of sexual health education. Interpreting these findings through Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, the study suggests that, as described by participants, the Dipo rites in its current form may constrain girls’ freedoms and undermine their well-being. While some community members defended the Dipo rites as a vital cultural institution, many called for reform to align traditional practices with contemporary human rights principles. Conclusions The study concludes by recommending culturally sensitive policy interventions, including the integration of sexual and reproductive health education into the Dipo rites, strengthened legal safeguards for girls, and broader community dialogues on child rights and tradition. These recommendations are informed by qualitative insights from the Yilo Krobo Municipality and should be interpreted within this contextual scope.