Josephine Amuzu

Forget the old narrative. Ghana’s skincare culture is undergoing a radiant transformation. Once defined by simplicity and practicality, it is now evolving into a conscious act of self-care and self-expression.

A new generation of Ghanaians is redefining what it means to have healthy skin, embracing routines that go beyond basic moisturising to include targeted treatments such as serums, toners, and daily sunscreen use.

This shift is not about vanity; it reflects a growing awareness that caring for your skin is caring for yourself.

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<h2>The Old-School Regimen: Simple, Effective, No Frills</h2>

<a href="undefined" target="_self">photo via Shutterstock.com</a>

Take a trip down memory lane. In most Ghanaian homes, skincare was a communal ritual. One hero product reigned supreme: the rich, nutty embrace of shea butter or the nostalgic scent of cocoa butter.

The aim was practical, to maintain soft, supple skin that could withstand the harmattan’s dryness or the sun’s relentless glare. For mothers and aunties, it was about achieving an even-toned glow; for fathers and uncles, a quick moisturise to banish ashy elbows.

Many men viewed body cream as optional, even effeminate. Skincare was survival, not self-expression, a necessary shield against Ghana’s tropical climate.

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<h2>The New Wave: Glow-Ups, GRWM, and Genderless Goals</h2>

<a href="undefined" target="_self">Image via afuncan.com</a>

What sparked the shift? Your smartphone. Social media, board-certified dermatologists, and relatable influencers such as @SkinByAbena and @MensGroomingGH have democratised skincare knowledge. The stigma is crumbling as young men now openly discuss retinols, tackle hyperpigmentation, and swear by SPF 50. Clear skin is no longer “soft”; it is strategic.

For women, the focus has shifted from masking flaws with heavy foundation to nurturing a healthy canvas. TikTok’s “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos and raw before-and-after reels have built a digital sisterhood, fostering accountability and celebration. Skincare has become a shared language of empowerment.

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<h2>The Local Touch: Homegrown Brands, Global Standards</h2>

You do not need to import trends. Ghanaian brands are blending ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge science. 58 Skincare harnesses baobab and tamarind for hydration; Moringa Connect infuses serums with the “miracle tree”; Valley of Shea crafts gender-neutral moisturisers using unrefined Karité butter sourced directly from northern cooperatives.

These formulations cater to melanin-rich skin concerns such as keloids, ingrown hairs, and sun-induced dark spots, while meeting global safety standards. Affordable luxury, proudly Ghanaian.

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<h2>Your Skin, Your Rules</h2>

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At its core, modern skincare is radical self-care. It is the daily affirmation that your body deserves attention, not apology. Whether you follow a minimalist three-step routine (cleanse, moisturise, protect) or a luxurious ten-step ritual, the goal remains the same: confidence that radiates from within.

Dermatologists warn that neglecting sun protection accelerates premature ageing, resulting in fine lines by thirty and stubborn melasma by thirty-five. Prioritising your skin today is an investment in your tomorrow. Start small with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type, and consistency. Your future self will thank you.

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Using too much skincare product can overwhelm your skin [iStock]

From the humble shea butter tin to curated vanities brimming with serums, Ghana’s skincare evolution mirrors a deeper cultural shift: self-care is no longer gendered or frivolous. It is essential. Your skin, the body’s largest organ, demands respect. That glow you are cultivating is not male or female; it is healthy, powerful, and unequivocally yours. Prioritise it today.

Is Skincare the Ultimate Form of Self-Care? Here’s Why You Must Prioritise Your Skin Today

Sexual harassment rarely announces itself with fanfare. It often begins with a “harmless” joke, an unsolicited compliment, or a lingering stare that leaves you uneasy. In Ghana, any unwanted sexual behaviour that causes distress, fear, offence, or humiliation constitutes harassment, regardless of the perpetrator’s intent or the victim’s gender.

It is not banter, not flattery, and certainly not your fault. This violation can occur anywhere: the office, lecture hall, church pew, family gathering, or even your social media feed. Too many victims suffer in silence, cowed by shame, threats, or fear of reprisal. Recognising the signs is your first line of defence and the first step towards reclaiming your dignity.

<h2>Here are five (5) clear indicators that you are being sexually harassed:</h2>

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<h3>1.&nbsp;Unwanted Sexual Jokes and Comments</h3>

Repeated remarks about your body, appearance, or sex life, even after you have expressed discomfort, cross the line. A “joke” about your figure or a lewd innuendo is not harmless if it makes you uneasy. Politely but firmly object; if it persists, document and report.

<h3>2.&nbsp;Inappropriate Touching</h3>

Any non-consensual physical contact, such as a hug that lingers too long, a hand on your lower back, or an uninvited kiss, qualifies as harassment. Your body, your boundaries. Even “friendly” gestures require explicit consent.

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<h3>3. Persistent Flirting or Advances</h3>

Are they flirting or just being nice? [TheLagosWeekender]

Unsolicited romantic messages, explicit images, or relentless pursuit after rejection all signal harassment. Declining a date does not grant licence for continued pressure. Save screenshots as evidence.

<h3>4.&nbsp;Sexual Favours in Exchange for Benefits</h3>

A lecturer promising better grades, a boss hinting at promotion, or a colleague offering “help” in return for sexual acts constitutes quid pro quo harassment, which is illegal under Ghanaian law even if you initially appear willing. Coercion invalidates consent.

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<h3>5.&nbsp;Online Sexual Harassment</h3>

Lewd comments beneath your photos, unsolicited explicit images in your direct messages, or pornographic content shared to intimidate are all forms of digital harassment. Cyber-harassment is real, prosecutable, and deeply damaging.

<h2>What You Can Do If It Happens to You</h2>

Silence protects the perpetrator, not you. Speak up safely and strategically:

<ul><li>Confront if safe: Calmly state, “That comment makes me uncomfortable. Please stop.”</li><li>Document everything: Dates, times, messages, and witnesses.</li><li>Report internally: Use your workplace HR policy, school counsellor, or church leadership. Under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651, Section 175), employers must investigate.</li><li>Escalate externally: File a report with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the police (for physical acts under the Criminal Offences Act, Section 103), or the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).</li><li>Online: Block, report, and preserve evidence. Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020, covers digital offences.</li><li>Seek support: Confide in a trusted friend, mentor, or counsellor. CHRAJ and NGOs such as the Ark Foundation offer free guidance.</li></ul>

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In Ghana, sexual harassment is not a grey area; it is unlawful. The 1992 Constitution (Articles 17 and 24) prohibits sex-based discrimination and mandates safe working conditions. Physical violations fall under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29, as amended), with indecent assault punishable by six (6) months to two (2) years’ imprisonment, and rape or defilement attracting between five (5) and twenty-five (25) years.

Workplace harassment is explicitly defined and prohibited by the Labour Act, 2003 (Section 175), with employers liable for inaction. Victims may seek redress through CHRAJ, labour tribunals, or the courts, supported by Ghana’s ratification of ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment at work.

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You deserve to feel safe, valued, and respected everywhere. Recognise the signs, document the evidence, and speak up. One voice can protect many.

5 Signs You’re Being Sexually Harassed – and How to Handle It

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Pulse Ghana is the most followed news and entertainment platform, informing and engaging young Ghanaians round the clock, providing updates by the hour.

Josephine Amuzu

Articles written by the author

Is Skincare the Ultimate Form of Self-Care? Here’s Why You Must Prioritise Your Skin Today

5 Signs You’re Being Sexually Harassed – and How to Handle It