Linguistics professor at Indiana University-Bloomington, USA, and a former lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Samuel Gyasi Obeng, has called for the abolition of polygamy in Ghana.
Speaking at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences’ Kwame Nkrumah Auditorium during the J.B. Danquah Memorial Lectures, he addressed the topic “Language and Liberty in the Ghanaian Political and Judicial Discourse.”
During his lecture, Professor Obeng emphasized the need for Ghanaians to either abolish polygamy or accept polyandry, challenging the notion that cultural traditions should dictate such practices.
He highlighted the impact of polygamy on liberty and health, sharing a personal account of his mother’s struggles as a polygamous wife. He mentioned that polygamy poses significant health risks and questioned why polyandry is not equally accepted if polygamy is deemed beneficial.
“Polygamy is a health issue. If polygamy is good, then we should also allow polyandry. I saw my mother go through it, and it is a serious health concern. Don’t justify it with culture culture evolves and does not remain uncivilized,” he stated.
Professor Obeng further called on Parliament to pass a law abolishing polygamy, arguing that men who engage in the practice should face legal consequences. He contended that polygamy is a more pressing issue than some current legislative matters and suggested strict enforcement of its prohibition.
“It is time to stop polygamy; it should be abolished. Parliament must pass a law to end it. I believe it is more dangerous than some of the laws being passed now. If we won’t outlaw it, then we should allow polyandry. Otherwise, men should be jailed for engaging in it,” he concluded.
His remarks have sparked conversations about the intersection of culture, law, and individual rights in Ghana’s evolving societal landscape.
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Story by: Wilhemina | univers.ug.edu.gh
