Assessing the Acceptability of the Dipo Rite Among Teenagers of Yilo Krobo

Abstract

In certain cultures, rites of passage are performed. An adolescent rite of passage forms one of the rite of passage performed for both girls and boys to transition into adulthood. In Ghana, although many rites of passage are less performed for young girls in recent times, the Dipo rite is still performed for Krobo girls every year to teach them societal values, morals, and chastity. Despite the teachings that come with the Dipo rite, teenage pregnancy is high in the Yilo Krobo municipality and other Eastern parts of Ghana where the rite is performed for girls. This study used a qualitative research approach to examine the acceptability of the Dipo rite among the teenagers of Yilo Krobo. The study examined the factors that affect the girls' acceptability of the Dipo rite and also sought to find out whether the rite influences teenage pregnancy. From the findings, some factors that influence the girls' attitudes included banishment from the community, prohibition, and sanctions due to refusal to go through the Dipo initiation. Also, the study indicated that the confidence of the girls in avoiding pre-marital sex lies in the teaching they receive as part of the Dipo initiation. Moreover, the study noted that formal education has not affected the decision of the girls to go through the Dipo initiation rite. However, the findings of the study indicated that the people of Krobo do not frown on girls who become pregnant after the Dipo rite. Furthermore, the community believes a girl can engage in pre-marital sex after the Dipo initiation. For teenage pregnancy to reduce in Yilo Krobo, both girls and boys must be educated on the use of contraceptives and other reproductive health concerns.