Puberty rites revisted: Using the Window of Hope to Reduce HIV-Transmission

Prince Awudu Razak Sedzro

Dipo Puberty rites among the Krobo Ethnic group of Ghana has the effect of delaying first sexual experience of the girl child. The changed attitude of society which has led to its modification has brought in its wake a higher incidence of HIV/AIDS in the younger woman. 

Urbanization with consequent removal of community sanctions, inflation with a higher cost of puberty rites and exploitation of loopholes in community expectations are the causes. If the puberty rites achieved the purpose previously examination of its curriculum may help modern society plan a new strategy. 

Re-introduction of Dipo in a modified form, taking into consideration HIV/AIDS prevention education, would help reduce acquisition and transmission of HIV/AIDS. The lessons from Dipo which is transcultural would be the specific sexual education of the girl-child prior to puberty.