The phrase “Decisions I made in my pyjamas”, popularised by Ghanaian musician Black Sherif, carries a meaning far removed from the subject of this article. Yet, it offers a powerful reflection point. It reminds us that in moments of comfort, desire, or impulse, the decisions people make—especially men—can have life-altering consequences.This piece uses that line as a literary device to draw attention to a troubling reality: the reckless sexual decisions some men make, often in private moments, that result in rape. It also bridges contemporary music and social awareness, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of what the law in Ghana considers rape.<h2>What Ghanaian Law Says About Rape</h2>Rape in Ghana is defined under Section 98 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as the unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman without her consent. However, modern legal interpretation makes it clear that rape is not limited to fully completed penetration.Courts have held that:Even the slightest genital intrusion qualifies as rape if there is no consent. Consent must be clear, voluntary, and unambiguous.Relationship status does not create automatic consent. In several High Court decisions involving sexual offences, judges have emphasised that partial insertion, attempted insertion, or genital contact leading to intrusion is sufficient to constitute rape. Ejaculation, or completion of the sexual act, is irrelevant.The law focuses on intrusion without consent, not on the degree or duration of the act.<h2>When Rape Occurs: Scenarios Often Ignored</h2>Public perception often associates rape with violent strangers. But most cases in Ghana happen in private, between people who know each other. Common but misunderstood scenarios include:1. When the woman is asleep or intoxicatedIf she is unconscious, drugged, asleep, or unable to understand what is happening, any sexual contact is rape.2. When the parties are dating or marriedA relationship does not equal perpetual consent. A woman has the right to refuse at any time.3. When there is “just a little intrusion”Even the slightest genital intrusion without consent is rape.“Just the tip” is not an excuse; it is a crime.4. When the woman is pressured or afraidConsent obtained through fear, manipulation, threats or undue pressure is not valid consent.5. When there is silenceSilence is not consent.Reluctance is not consent.Tense cooperation due to fear is not consent.These examples reflect the law’s commitment to bodily autonomy and the protection of vulnerable persons, particularly women.<h2>The Cost of Pyjamas Decisions</h2>Many rape cases occur because men lose control in moments of desire—moments where they allow what is inside their pyjamas to think for them instead of using their brains.Statements such as:“I thought she was okay with it.”“She didn’t resist enough.”“I was already in the mood,”“We’ve done it many times,”are commonly heard in police statements and courtrooms. But none absolve a person from criminal liability.A few seconds of uncontrolled desire can lead to:1. imprisonment,2. a criminal record,3. public disgrace,4. psychological trauma for victims, and5. Shattered families and community trust.<h2>A Call to Men: Think Before You Act</h2>Sexual desire is normal. But self-control is a responsibility, not an option.When the urge rises:1. Pause.2. Ask clearly for consent.3. Walk away if consent is absent or uncertain.Every man must understand this simple truth:Your desire cannot override another person’s dignity, safety, or rights.Conclusion“Decisions I made in my pyjamas” may be a catchy lyric, but it is also a wake-up call. It reminds us that the reckless decisions made in moments of passion or impulse can ruin lives.Ghanaian law is clear. The message should be even clearer:Control your actions. Seek consent. Let your brain—not your pyjamas—guide your decisions.By: Horlali Yaw Haligah<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline qbe-widget" href="mailto:yawhaligah@gmail.com">yawhaligah@gmail.com</a>Facebook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.facebook.com/hhaligah/about">Horlali Yaw Haligah</a>

Decisions I Made in My Pyjamas: Rape and the Law in Ghana

By Akure Albert MbawiniGhana's healthcare system is at a crossroads. Many qualified nurses and midwives are waiting for job opportunities while nurse assistant programmes continue to churn out graduates, adding to the growing pool of unemployed healthcare professionals and making it unbearable.I have witnessed colleagues struggling with unpaid salaries for months, and it is heartbreaking.The Health Minister has acknowledged the inherited problems, and it is clear that healthcare politics play a significant role in shaping our system's future.In 2017, the NPP government took a bold step towards reforming nursing programmes by issuing a directive to all health training institutions, instructing them to halt admissions into certificate nursing programmes, including Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) and Nurse Assistant Preventive (NAP) courses. Unfortunately, the government abruptly reversed its decision less than a week later, citing political pressure.Read Also:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/news/biography-of-coach-daniel-annor-walker"> Annor Walker: The tactician whose legacy outlives him</a>This sudden change has had a lasting effect, with private institutions continuing to produce nurse assistants and flooding the job market, making employment very scarce.Let us take a closer look at how this decision has impacted our healthcare system.Nurse assistant programmes were designed to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas, providing opportunities for individuals to join the workforce and improve healthcare delivery in these regions.While they have made valuable contributions to the healthcare fraternity, it is time to reassess their relevance in today's landscape.With many qualified nurses and midwives awaiting employment, we need to evaluate whether these programmes are meeting our healthcare system's needs today.Read Also: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/news/julius-malema-convicted-faces-15-year-prison-sentence">Julius Malema convicted, faces 15-year prison sentence</a>The silence from key stakeholders is deafening. The Nurse and Midwifery Council, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), and the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives Ghana (UPNMG) all seem to be holding their tongues, potentially due to conflicting interests.Meanwhile, the unsustainable production of nurses and midwives continues, with private institutions churning out graduates without adequate oversight, further exacerbating the existing backlog of unemployed healthcare professionals.This raises critical questions about the future of Ghana's healthcare workforce and the need for urgent reform.Ghana has made significant progress in developing a robust pool of qualified nurses and midwives. This shift might change the role of nurse assistant programmes in our society today.By cancelling or modifying these programmes, we could alleviate some challenges faced by unemployed nurses and midwives and create a more efficient healthcare system that we need.Let us weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this decision.By taking a thoughtful and long-term approach, policymakers can make informed decisions that will benefit the country today and in the future.Read More: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/news/black-stars-to-camp-in-morocco-for-car-world-cup-qualifier">Black Stars to camp in Morocco for CAR World Cup qualifier</a>Phasing out or adjusting nurse assistant programmes could be a step towards creating a more effective healthcare system. It will equally help to ensure that healthcare professionals are well equipped to deliver their service.Let us consider the potential impact on our healthcare workforce and the country's overall well-being as we move forward as a nation.The NDC/NPP's politics and silence in addressing and modifying these nursing programmes will continue to have repercussions for them as politicians and policymakers.Similarly, nurses and midwives will continuously be frustrated and stage demonstrations over issues like posting, unpaid rotation allowances, and delayed salaries, ultimately affecting the political landscape.The earlier this is taken into consideration, the better for the health sector of our country and the future.<h3></h3>

Opinions

Decisions I Made in My Pyjamas: Rape and the Law in Ghana

Ghana's nursing conundrum: Politics over practicality