Distribution of FGM/C across Ghana
FGM/C is practised by several ethnic groups including the Kusasis, Frafras, Kassenas, Nankanis, Busangas, Wallas, Dagarbas, Builsas and Sisalas, who live mainly in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions of Ghana, and the migrant population in the south. As a result, the Upper East and Upper West have the highest prevalence of FGM, at 13.0% and 32.5% respectively (of women aged 15-49), and all other regions have a prevalence of less than 3%. The Volta region, along the east coast, has the lowest prevalence, at 0.3%. Women aged 15-49 who live in rural areas are more likely to undergo FGM/C (3.6%) than those living in urban areas (1.2%).
The prevalence of FGM is inversely correlated with level of education and wealth, and 94.4% of women aged 15-49 who have heard of FGM/C believe the practice should be stopped.
Click on the map to enlarge
Trends in FGM Prevalence in Ghana
_english.jpg)
Click on the graph to enlarge
Between 2011 and 2017-18, the overall prevalence for women aged 15-49 decreased slightly from 3.8% to 2.4%. However, breaking down the most recent data by age group shows that the prevalence for women aged 45-49 is 4.9%, while for the youngest age group this has fallen to 0.6%. Despite the fact that a small number of women may be cut after the age of 15, the data suggests that there is a trend towards lower prevalences among younger women.
