October 6, 2026
GIMPA Law School lecturer Dr Noah Ephraem Tetteh Adamtey has highlighted what he describes as a limitation in Ghana’s legal definition of rape, explaining that, technically, a man cannot be classified as a rape victim under the existing law.
According to Dr Adamtey, Ghana’s definition of rape is framed in a way that does not cover men as victims. He noted, however, that this does not mean a man who experiences a non-consensual sexual act has no legal protection.
He explained that depending on the circumstances, other offences under Ghanaian law may apply to cases involving non-consensual sexual acts against men.
The lecturer’s comments have renewed attention on Ghana’s sexual-offence laws and the extent to which they adequately address sexual violence involving male victims.
The issue also raises broader questions about whether Ghana’s legal framework should be reviewed to provide clearer and more comprehensive protection for all victims of non-consensual sexual acts.