The Agony of Sex Toys in Ghana: Booming Trade, Legal Fear and Public Shame ‎

For many Ghanaians, buying or owning a sex toy brings quiet anxiety. The products are easy to find, but the law is unclear and the stigma is heavy.

A thriving trade, a silent market
Time Out says sex toys for both men and women are easy to get hold of in Accra. ModernGhana has reported that the adult shop business is booming as customers buy through online platforms. Online buying fits a market where people want discretion. Shoppers avoid being seen, and most keep quiet about what they own.

The fear of arrest
The first source of anguish is legal uncertainty. A lawyer, Mr Sah, told the Daily Graphic that Ghana has no standalone law banning the possession or personal use of sex toys. He questioned social media reports of people arrested for possessing them, saying it was unclear why such arrests would happen. Whether or not every report is true, the fear itself shapes behaviour.

Judge Sedinam Awo Kwadam describes the legal status as unsettled. The Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) criminalizes the sale or public exhibition of "obscene objects", but the law says little about private possession. Sellers face the greater legal exposure.

The bill hanging overhead
Reports say the Family Values Bill would prohibit same-sex sexual activities, the use of sex toys and other acts. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful warned that criminalizing use would affect heterosexual couples who use them to enhance intimacy.

A radio presenter replied that the products should be criminalized, citing moral and safety concerns. Until the bill's fate is settled, owners live with a possible change in the law.

Shame, silence and health
A preprint study of Ghanaian university students found that perceptions are shaped by curiosity, socio-cultural norms and inadequate education. Without sexual-health education, buyers rely on online sellers and rumour. Safe use, hygiene and consent are public-health issues, and the silence leaves people to work them out alone.

Conclusion
The suffering here is partly legal and partly social. Ghana needs clear rules on the sale and display of such products, a firm line against policing private adult conduct, and honest health education. Ending the legal ambiguity would ease the anxiety of ordinary people more than any new prohibition.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/Science communicator, Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,United States Institute of Peace (USIP), [email protected] +233555275880

Sources and References
Daily Graphic / The Mirror. "Human Sexual Rights bill could make sex toys illegal — lawyer." https://www.graphic.com.gh/lifestyle/life/human-sexual-rights-bill-could-make-sex-toys-illegal-lawyer.html

Time Out Accra. "Sex shopping in Accra." https://www.timeout.com/accra/shopping/sex-shopping-in-accra

ModernGhana. "Adult Shop Business Booming In Ghana As Customers Use Online Platforms To Buy Sex Toys." https://www.modernghana.com/news/980171/adult-shop-business-booming-in-ghana-as-customers.amp

Superlaw Ghana. Judge Sedinam Awo Kwadam, "Roses Are Red, The Statute Is Stale" (1 Sept 2025). https://superlawgh.com/author/admin/page/4/

MoyJoyOnline. "Anti-LGBT bill: We shouldn't criminalise sex toys — Ursula Owusu-Ekuful." https://www.myjoyonline.com/anti-lgbt-bill-we-shouldnt-criminalise-sex-toys-ursula-owusu-ekuful/

GhanaWeb. "What are you going to use the sex toys for? – Radio presenter questions Ursula." https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/What-are-you-going-to-use-the-sex-toys-for-ndash-Radio-presenter-questions-Ursula-1898885

Watermark. "Ghanaian Parliament speaker: Anti-LGBTQ+ bill will pass before Christmas." https://watermarkonline.com/?p=420092

Research Square / Sciety preprint. "The Perception of Sex Enhancers and Sex Toys Among University Students in Ghana." https://sciety.org/articles/activity/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8721527/v1