Ghana’s Trokosi Case: Contestations between Cultural Relativism and Universalism
Danielle Agyemang
Publication: Volume 4 Issue 1
Abstract | The study herein sheds light on Trokosi, a traditional practice in Ghana and its surrounding countries in West Africa, which is widely believed to violate the rights of girls by condemning them to a life of servitude in fetish shrines to “atone for the sins of their family members” (International Needs UK 1). Though the practice and its impact are considered very important in addressing the rights of girls and women, they are under-researched. This paper presents key issues associated with the practice of Trokosi and analyzes the cultural relativism and universality debates, which posit that culture is fluid and ever evolving. It concludes that culture has the potential to adapt to new values and norms, including practices that safeguard the human rights of girls and women.
Keywords | Trokosi, Fetish Shrines, Ghana, Tradition, Education, Freedom, Religion, NGOs, Human Rights, Empowerment, Servitude, Slavery
Danielle Agyemang (danielleagyemang11@gmail.com) is an international development professional with six years of experience in human rights and democracy research and programming, key stakeholder engagement, and network building. She holds an MA in International Development and Gender from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, England and a BA in Sociology with an Interdisciplinary Study in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance from the University of Florida, USA. Her professional experience spans over 15 countries and includes work with governmental, non-governmental, civil society, and multi-lateral organizations.