Lately, the practice of DNA testing to ascertain paternity has gained traction in various parts of the world, including Ghana.
While the intention behind such tests is often rooted in a desire for clarity and assurance, the phenomenon has sparked significant debate and criticism.
The act of men conducting DNA tests on their children has been met with a mixture of concern, cultural backlash, and social implications that reflect deeper issues within Ghanaian society.
DNA testing has become more accessible and affordable, increasing its use among individuals seeking to confirm biological relationships.
Controversial Ghanaian personality, Counselor Lutterodt criticized men who conduct DNA tests on their children. He expressed his disapproval of DNA testing and questioned its importance.
The outspoken marriage counselor asserted that individuals who conduct DNA tests on children they share with their partners have mental issues.
Referring to ex-footballer, Nii Odartey Lamptey’s paternity issue with his ex-wife, Counsellor Lutterodt revealed that he would not be upset if his wife cheated and became pregnant by another man.
In an exclusive interview with The Vaultz News, an entertainment pundit, Event Manager, Consultant, and Evolve Africa Company Limited CEO, Brandford Ofori Nkuah shared his perspective on the psychological ramifications for individuals seeking DNA tests.
“First of all, no madman or psychologically changed person, will seek a DNA test. No man on earth will seek a DNA test if he hasn’t been triggered or given a reason to do so by his partner concerning issues and situations arising.”
Brandford Ofori Nkuah
The entertainment pundit revealed that there is never a stigma attached to DNA tests from his perspective about men. “The test is actually to gain clarity and it even helps men in making the right decisions about their parental responsibilities,” he added.
According to him, gender dynamics significantly impact the decision to conduct DNA tests, and women are often more likely to face scrutiny.
He further disclosed the reason women are unfairly judged. “Here’s why: Power imbalance, scrutiny and stigma, DNA testing disparities, societal expectations, and so on,” he said.
Women feel stigmatized or unfairly judged due to the implication that they may not be faithful, while men who seek these tests are viewed as lacking trust or being overly suspicious. This perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to a culture of blame rather than understanding.
In Ghana, the growing prevalence of paternity tests is attributed to several factors, including rising divorce rates, infidelity concerns, and a general desire for transparency in familial relationships.
Men, in particular, have taken to these tests as a means of verifying their biological ties to their children, often motivated by a need to protect their rights and responsibilities.
Cultural and Social Implications
The decision by men to conduct DNA tests is seen as a direct challenge to the trust that underpins familial relationships. Critics argue that this practice undermines the foundational belief in the sanctity of family bonds.
In a culture where family ties are highly valued, the act of questioning paternity leads to rifts not only between partners but also within extended family networks.
Brandford revealed that the cultural expectations of masculinity significantly influence men’s responses to paternity testing and its outcomes. “It emphasizes control and dominance, emotional expression, the importance of providing and protecting, and pressure to maintain social status,” he noted.
Ethically, the decision to conduct a DNA test raises questions about consent and the emotional impact on children, who are unaware of the doubts surrounding their parentage.
Nii Odartey Lamptey shared the traumatic moment when he discovered that the three children he thought were his with ex-wife, Gloria Appiah were not biologically his. The case of Nii Odartey Lamptey gained significant media attention.
The CEO of Evolve Africa Company Limited stated emphatically that there could be a reason the ex-footballer called for DNA tests on the three children.
“I honestly don’t know the depth of NII ODARTEY LAMPTEY’s but I strongly believe that there is a reason as to why the DNA test was called for and the results will be the solution to the problem.
“The media will always be the media and it will come for whoever is exposed to it regardless of their status and that shouldn’t be a reason why anyone whether highly profiled or not would hesitate in calling for a DNA test when the need arises.”
Branford Ofori Nkuah
In his view on how public figures’ experiences with paternity testing influence the general public’s willingness to engage with these tests, he maintained that most of them [public figures] fail to be honest about the whole situation.
“Because what will make you hesitate to ask for a DNA test if you actually know you are right? The media influences those who allow themselves.”
Branford Ofori Nkuah
The increasing trend of men conducting DNA tests has drawn sharp criticism from various segments of society, including activists, sociologists, and religious leaders.
Given the complexities surrounding DNA testing and paternity, there is a pressing need for open dialogue and education on the subject. Addressing the underlying issues that lead men to seek these tests is essential.
While the desire for clarity in familial relationships is understandable, the implications of such tests are profound and far-reaching.
Moving forward, society must engage in constructive conversations that promote understanding, trust, and respect within families, rather than allowing suspicion to dictate personal relationships.
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