Ghana: female genital mutilation procedures

As of 2018, the average number of women respondents in Ghana who had had some form of FGM reached 341. Out of this number, 63.6 percent had had their flesh removed, while 15.9 percent had had their external female genitalia sewn closed.

Article 39 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution prohibits FGM and abolishes all injurious traditional practices. A circumciser and anyone involved in the request, incitement, or promotion of FGM are liable to 5-10 years of imprisonment in Ghana.

Distribution of women who underwent Female Genital Mutilation in Ghana as of 2018, by procedure

FGM procedure	Share of women
Had flesh removed	63.6%
Not determined	15.9%
Were sewn closed	15.9%
Were nicked	4.6%

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Release date

September 2020

More information

Region

Ghana

Survey time period

2018

Number of respondents

14,374 women

Age group

15-49 years

Supplementary notes

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for reasons that are non-medical. It is considered a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

The source explains that this statistic shows the prevalence of FGM among women between the ages of 15 and 49 years and the type of procedure. It adds that "the practice is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as traditional childbirth attendants".

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