GHANET dismisses condom size complaints, assures safety standards

The Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET) has dismissed claims that condoms available on the Ghanaian market are too small, assuring the public that all approved brands meet strict safety and quality standards.

Recent reports in sections of the media claimed that some Ghanaian men were avoiding condom use, citing size concerns.

Speaking in an interview with the media on the sidelines of an HIV/AIDS awareness exercise at the West Hills Mall in the Ga South Municipality to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day, Mr. Ernest Ortsin, President of GHANET, described the complaints as unfounded and urged the public to purchase condoms only from approved outlets.

“I can assure you that all the condoms on the market have been tested by the Ghana Standards Authority, and they have ensured that these condoms are of the highest quality and standard,” he said.

“It is not true unless they are not buying from the right places.”

The event, organised by GHANET, formed part of a nationwide campaign to promote responsible sexual behaviour and increase access to HIV testing services on a day widely associated with intimacy.

Ortsin also expressed concern over reports of an alleged viral video involving several women engaged in unprotected sexual activity with a foreign national, warning that such behaviour heightens the risk of HIV transmission.

“You don’t know the HIV status of the person, and so if you have unprotected sex with someone, you are putting yourself at risk,” he cautioned.

“I want to encourage all of us not to engage in unprotected sex. Always make sure that you are protected.”

Free HIV testing and condom distribution were central to the exercise.

Bernice Ababio, Administrative Manager of GHANET, said that as of 15:30 hours, about 350 test kits had been distributed.

“About 150 people opted for assisted testing, while about 200 chose unassisted testing and decided to take the kits home,” she said.

She added that the exercise was designed to make testing more accessible, particularly for young people celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Prosper Akanbong, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, said the campaign was being replicated across the country, including in tertiary institutions and major public spaces.

“In fact, it’s good to get to know your HIV status because that helps with linking yourself to treatment and protecting other people as well,” he said.

Akanbong reiterated that Ghana recorded 15,290 new HIV infections in 2024, with young people among the most affected groups, stressing that increased testing partly explains the rise in reported cases.

“If you don’t test, you will not know,” he said. “Because testing is going up, we are finding new cases that were already there.”

He urged revellers to moderate alcohol intake and make responsible decisions.

“Make sure that it is properly worn, from beginning to end,” he advised, referring to condom use. “If it’s not on, it is not in.”

Emmanuel Teviu, Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, underscored the importance of consistent and correct condom use.

“It’s not just about taking the condoms; it’s also about using them,” he said. “Proper and consistent use of condoms is the only way we can protect ourselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.”

On Ghana’s progress towards the global 95-95-95 targets, he said that, based on 2024 estimates, the country stood at 68 per cent for the first 95 (people living with HIV who know their status), 69 per cent for the second 95 (those on treatment), and 90 per cent for the third 95 (those virally suppressed).

He assured the public that updated figures would be released once data for 2025 is completed.

The UNAIDS 95-95-95 global target requires countries to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95 per cent of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 per cent of those receiving ART achieve viral suppression (VLS) by 2025.