Sexuality, migration and AIDS in Ghana - A socio-behavioural study

Sexual behaviour in Ghana characterizes a society in transition. Although cultural restrictions against sexuality are no longer strictly enforced, the very nature of the social organization puts a brake on some excesses. Migration removes people from these restrictions into a situation where sexual fulfilment is enhanced. This paper explores the risk factors associated with migration. Results of a large survey across Ghana indicate widespread sexual networking. There is, however, an apparent decline in the number of sexual partners in recent periods which may be related to the AIDS campaign. Yet migration acts to increase the extent of sexual networking. While many migrants have regular sexual partners, there are a substantial number of encounters with casual partners. The circular nature of migration and the maintenance of links with home through frequent visits puts people at risk at both ends of the migratory movement. This risk is increased with international migration, associated with higher than average numbers of sexual partners. An appropriate policy for the control of the spread of AIDS in Ghana, therefore, would be one which combines educational programs with strategies for removing the factors which compel young people to migrate.