Modified designs of Dipo costumes for the contemporary Ghanaian society

Abstract

The performance and adherence of Ghanaian customs and traditions are cherished by society. The Dipo Rite among the Krobos is one such cherished traditions conducted to prepare adolescent girls into womanhood. The study sought to explore modified designs of Dipo costumes for the contemporary Ghanaian society. A descriptive survey was adopted for the study. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were adopted and sample size of 68 (organisers) and 60 (community and other stakeholders) were selected for the study. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The study found that Dipo was meant to prepare girls into womanhood, promote chastity before marriage but this has not achieved its intended purposes since teenage pregnancy continues to rise despite the initiation. Some costumes used for the rite includes red cloths (Sabue), headgear, necklace, wristbands, anklets, wristlets, beads and the like. It was realized that most of the respondents were of the view that costumes used for the rite ought to be modified since it exposes parts of girls to the public which is against fundamental human rights. It is expected that a careful review of the costumes used for the rites are done by the traditional leaders of Krobo incharge of Dipo.