“What you do in the bedroom stays in the bedroom”, or so the saying goes, but what if what you do in the bedroom can actually get you arrested?
When it comes to bedroom chores, many couples would like to explore and try out different activities to boost their sex lives.
However, according to the constitution and several interpretations of it, some bedroom activities may be illegal if one is caught and taken to court.
Oral sex:
Acts like Fellatio (Blowjob), Cunnilingus and other forms of oral sex can be interpreted as Unnatural Carnal Knowledge and a liable offence in Ghana.
According to the constitution, “Unnatural carnal knowledge” is defined as sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner or with an animal.
Natural Carnal Knowledge is narrowed down to the insertion of a penis into the vagina only, and not any other orifice.
A person convicted of having ‘unnatural carnal knowledge’ may face different penalties depending on what act he or she commits.
Anal sex:
Similar to oral sex, anal sex also falls under the term of unnatural carnal knowledge, irrespective of whether it is between a homosexual or heterosexual couple. The act is defined as ‘sodomy’ and is liable before the law.
This was further propounded in 2023 by the then member of parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, during an appearance before parliament.
“For the avoidance of doubt and the information of all Ghanaians, oral sex, anal regardless of whether it is between woman and man, man and man or woman and woman is illegal under our law and so if there is anybody who is practising oral sex or anal sex please note that what you are doing is against the existing law of this country,” she had said.
Report men who force you to have oral, anal sex to police – Ursula tells women
Sex toys
Additionally, the use of sex toys, including dildos, vibrators, fleshlights etc have been ruled as illegal.
This comes following a ruling by the Supreme Court in July 2024 that using dildos and vibrators for sexual pleasure is unlawful.
The court dismissed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Section 104(1)(b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The challenged section criminalises “unnatural carnal knowledge,” defined as sexual intercourse in an unnatural manner or with an animal, even between consenting adults.
This includes anal sex, oral sex, and the use of objects for penetration, making the use of sex toys illegal. Violation is a misdemeanour punishable by up to three years in prison.
The suit was filed by Dr. Prince Obiri-Korang, a law lecturer. He argued the law violated constitutional rights to liberty, privacy, and freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
He specifically noted the law affects not only homosexuals but also heterosexuals, including women using sex toys for self-pleasure.
A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, found no merit in the case and dismissed it. The court upheld the law, stating it does not breach the 1992 Constitution.
In essence, the Supreme Court affirmed the existing law, making certain sexual acts, including the use of sex toys by individuals or couples.
ID/EB
Meanwhile, watch as ‘Akwaaba’, ‘Woezor’ signage replaced with ‘Oobake’ at Nkrumah Memorial Park
