Pornography is not typically discussed in Ghanaian homes, neither is sex. Adults act like it doesn’t exist and their children end up discovering it on their own. For many Ghanaian boys and girls, pornography becomes their main source of ‘sex education.’ In Ghana, pornography is referred to as ‘abonsam cartoons’, loosely translated to mean ‘the devil’s cartoons.’ Guest writer Kuukua Asante tells the story of … Continue reading Taboo 07: Abonsam Cartoons
Another Taboo story is on the horizon! This one is all too familiar. We tell the story of Densua, the beloved daughter of her very pious parents, who is sitting on a ticking time bomb. If you have missed a period or had to have a child out of wedlock in Ghana, you can most probably relate to this story. Happy reading! ‘Bring your prayers … Continue reading Taboo 06: Born One
Been a while since we Taboo-ed. No better time to start like the present. Today’s story is one that strikes a chord with everyone who has had to deal with tribal discrimination here in Ghana. Sometimes it lurks in the shadows of our lighthearted banter, sometimes it is a little more bold, a little more conspicious. ‘Krobo girls are sex maniacs, Hausa men are too … Continue reading Taboo 05: For Ewe, For Worse
Yellow. I hate that colour. No, I don’t have anything against mangoes, roasted plantain or Ghanaian taxis. The thing is for as long as I can remember, I have been the girl with the yellow eyes. ‘Ei her eyes are yellow papa!’, a 27 year old guy would loudly whisper to his friend as they passed by me at the Political Science department. ‘Tɔ plantain … Continue reading Taboo 04: Yellow
Wow! The support for #OurTaboo has been absolutely phenomenal! Thank you for all the emails, text messages and the general goodwill! Thanks to all those who also sent in their PCOS stories after reading Intruder as well as all those who sent in remedies and alternative solutions. I also love the fact that so many people are now aware that PCOS exists. That is exactly why … Continue reading Taboo 02: Happy birthday to me
Today, we begin the Taboo series. It is a collection of real-life stories that have been ‘fictionalized’ to protect the people’s identity. It is like nothing I have ever done before. These stories are not related or directly connected. I will share them as often as they come. I am grateful to all those who have told me their stories. I salute your bravery and … Continue reading Taboo 01: Intruder
Keni Ribeiro 