In recent weeks, whether one follows traditional media outlets or peruses social media platforms, there’s been a surge in stories concerning missing penises. What initially emerged as isolated incidents in Kasoa has now extended to other areas in Accra, with reports even surfacing in Ashaiman, located at the opposite end of Kasoa.
This unusual phenomenon has sparked a mix of anxiety and curiosity among the public. Many are left wondering how such an occurrence is even possible. Questions abound regarding the motives behind such thefts and the appearance of the genital region post-theft. Some recall similar occurrences from the past, particularly those of us from the older generation, who vividly remember childhood tales of “penis thieves” circulating in our communities.
According to these stories, physical contact is necessary for one’s penis to be stolen, often occurring in crowded environments where people inadvertently bump into each other. Purportedly, stolen penises are utilized for various rituals, ranging from wealth and fertility ceremonies to more dubious practices like penis enlargement rituals. It’s been claimed that the appearance of the genital area post-theft resembles that of a doll’s.
The alleged perpetrators of these thefts are often attributed with possessing special spiritual powers, commonly associated with migrant workers from neighboring countries like Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso, colloquially referred to as “abokis/abokyis.”
This phenomenon, known as Koro, has recently resurfaced in Ghana, mirroring occurrences reported in Nigeria. Koro, originating from Malay terminology meaning “head of a tortoise,” has historical roots in Asia and Africa, albeit with subtle variations. While in Asia, it’s perceived as a shrinking penis disorder associated with infidelity, in Africa, it’s viewed as penis theft, typically not fatal.
The classification of Koro under culture-specific disorders has sparked controversy within psychiatric circles. Critics argue that such disorders should be integrated into existing psychiatric classifications, rather than having a separate category. Nevertheless, Koro is now categorized under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in contemporary diagnostic manuals.
Historically, outbreaks of Koro have been reported in various West African countries, with Nigeria being an early hotspot. These episodes, characterized by panic-anxiety states, often involve men reporting stolen penises, only to find them intact upon examination. Women, too, have reported similar anxieties regarding the loss or alteration of their genitals.
Social explanations for Koro outbreaks often point to political and economic stressors. For instance, the outbreak in Ghana in the late 1990s was linked to political tensions and economic hardships exacerbated by extravagant holiday spending. Presently, the resurgence of Koro coincides with similar socio-political conditions, prompting speculation about its underlying triggers.
As Ghana grapples with rising living costs, widespread unemployment, and an impending general election, the reemergence of Koro raises intriguing questions about the intersection of culture, psychology, and social dynamics.
