Dr. Richardson Commey Fio, Deputy Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), has expressed strong disapproval of the increasing trend of cross-dressing among male content creators in Ghana, denouncing it as a significant threat to the nation’s cultural and moral foundations. His remarks come in response to recent events where male influencers have been seen publicly wearing female attire, sparking controversy and concern.
Dr. Fio’s comments were particularly triggered by a recent high-profile event at the Ridge Condos All Black Party in Kumasi. The party, which featured several male content creators dressed in women’s clothing and accessories, was perceived by the NCC as a blatant affront to Ghanaian cultural values. Kumasi, known for its deep cultural heritage and traditions, was seen as an inappropriate venue for such displays, further intensifying the Commission’s concerns.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Dr. Fio expressed his dismay, labeling the cross-dressing trend as a troubling development. He criticized the practice, suggesting it undermines the rich cultural values and norms that Ghanaian society holds dear. “It is very disappointing that we continue to experience such behaviors that are an affront to our rich cultural values and norms,” Dr. Fio stated. “For such an event to happen in Kumasi, one of the leading cities in Ghana where culture and traditions are held in high esteem, is totally unacceptable.”
Dr. Fio accused those who justify cross-dressing under the guise of globalization and modernity of attempting to erode Ghanaian cultural identity. He asserted that while cultural evolution is natural, it is crucial to protect the unique characteristics of Ghanaian identity from being compromised. “Certain bad elements in our society want to denigrate our culture and tear down the good moral fiber of our communities for parochial gains, hiding behind a misleading narrative of globalization and modernism,” he added.
The NCC’s stance has sparked debate, with some defending the practice. Deaconess Abokoma, a male content creator whose real name is Ebenezer Arthur, addressed the controversy in an interview on GTV. He argued that cross-dressing is often misunderstood and unfairly associated with negative connotations. Abokoma clarified that cross-dressing is primarily driven by entertainment value and is not linked to any hidden agenda or sexual orientation. “We are not gay. We do it for entertainment. Dressing up in female outfits and exploring different fashion styles is simply a fun and creative way to entertain people,” he explained.
Despite the backlash and differing opinions, Dr. Fio acknowledged that the NCC currently lacks the legal authority to take direct action against such practices. The Commission’s role is limited to condemning actions and bringing them to the attention of relevant authorities. To address these concerns more effectively, steps are being taken to amend PNDC Law 238, which established the NCC. Dr. Fio revealed that the proposed amendments aim to enhance the Commission’s powers to tackle cultural issues directly.
“We are amending PNDC Law 238 which established the Commission. We believe that when that is done, we will be empowered to deal directly with some of these issues,” Dr. Fio stated. He emphasized that, at present, the NCC can only condemn acts and advocate for appropriate actions from other bodies.
The debate over cross-dressing and its impact on Ghanaian culture highlights broader discussions about the balance between modernity and tradition. As Ghana continues to grapple with these cultural shifts, the NCC’s role in preserving cultural integrity while accommodating evolving societal norms remains a crucial topic. The ongoing dialogue underscores the complexities of maintaining cultural values in a rapidly changing world and reflects the broader global conversation about cultural preservation and adaptation.
