The age-old perception that male children are more valuable than female children seems to be gradually fading among modern Ghanaian men.
This is in contrast to the past, where it was common to hear stories of men who, in their desire for male children, abandoned their spouses or took on second wives.
But as The Mirror discovered in interviews with seven Ghanaian men in Accra recently, that mindset seems to be shifting.
Some recently married women interviewed, however, noted feeling pressure from the families of their spouses to have male children.
Fertility advisor and Resident Obstetrician-Gynaecologist at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Dr Rex Amedo, also provided insight into the science of conception and how modern medicine counters some long-held cultural beliefs.
Stories from the past
Delving into some stories from the past, Madam Helena Ahiawoadzi, a 48-year-old educationist, shared how she was ridiculed by her husband’s family after giving birth to four daughters.
“My late husband never said it out loud, but I knew deep down he wanted a son. There was a time, he even jokingly threatened me. His family brought concoctions and gave me advice on traditional priests I could visit. I only found peace after I had my fifth and last child, a boy,” she said.
In Konongo, 66-year-old retired teacher Kwame Fosu recalled how people congratulated him more on having his two sons than his daughters.
“We were told boys carry the name, and that’s what matters. But because of my education, I made sure to treat all my children equally,” he said.
A 72-year-old contractor admitted bringing two additional women into his marriage in search of a son after his first wife had four girls.
“They all gave birth to girls. I ended up with nine daughters. Ironically, it’s my daughters who have given me grandsons,” he remarked.
Changing views among modern men
Our interviews gave some indications that the preference for males was changing and the interviewees were surprised that such mindset still existed.
“I’m surprised that in this day and age, some young men still believe male children are better. When my wife and I had our daughter last year, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. She’s mine. That’s what matters,” 33-year-old banker Manuel Kofi Adjei said.
For 28-year-old plumber, Kofi Baako, the idea of choosing a child’s gender seemed pointless. “No one can stress me and my future wife. We’re not God to be deciding gender.”
Adding his view, 27-year-old student, Selassie Agbogla said he had seen a lot of females breaking barriers and being an inspiration so he didn’t care much about the gender.
