Curious Minds Podcast

Can Religion and SRH Coexist Peacefully Despite Conflicting Beliefs?

Religion continues to shape how many people think and talk about sexuality and reproductive health in Ghana and beyond. Teachings that emphasise abstinence, chastity, and procreation within marriage often clash with modern SRH approaches like contraception, comprehensive sexuality education, and safe abortion. For many young people, this tension breeds confusion, guilt, and silence when making decisions about their sexual health. This episode explores whether religion and SRH can truly coexist without contradiction. Can faith communities engage in open discussions on safe sex, menstruation, or family planning without compromising their values? Can SRH advocates and faith leaders work together as partners instead of opponents? Through personal stories and diverse perspectives, we examine how faith and SRH can find common ground in promoting health, dignity, and informed choice. Credits Host: Ransford Owusu-Ansah Panellists: Ralph, Mavis, Hannatu, Prince, Margaret, Edmund, Jemima, Akosua, & Emery Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro – The Curious Ring Interlude – Gymnastic by KiDi ft. Olivetheboy & KOJO BLAK Closing – Okomfo Kom (AIDS) by Okomfour Kwaadee Connect with us: X: @cmghana [https://twitter.com/cmghana] Instagram: @cmghana [https://instagram.com/cmghana] Facebook: Curious Minds Ghana [https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana] LinkedIn: Curious Minds Ghana [https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana]

Still a Big Deal? What HIV Means to Young People Today

HIV may no longer be seen as the life-threatening crisis it once was, thanks to advances in treatment, PrEP, and awareness. But while perceptions have changed, new infections continue to disproportionately affect young people—especially adolescent girls and young women. In Ghana and beyond, stigma, misinformation, and gaps in sexual health education still shape how HIV is discussed and understood. This episode explores how young people perceive HIV in 2025, whether the “fear factor” has faded, and what this means for prevention, testing, and treatment. Through real stories and expert insights, we unpack how HIV continues to influence young people’s lives, relationships, and health choices. Credits Host: Ransford Owusu-Ansah Panellists: Hannatu, Prince, Margaret, Jemaimah, Kenneth, Jemima & Francisca Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro – The Curious Ring Interlude – BALENCIAGA by O’Kenneth Closing – Agenda by RCee Connect with us: X: @cmghana [https://twitter.com/cmghana] Instagram: @cmghana [https://instagram.com/cmghana] Facebook: Curious Minds-Ghana [https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana] LinkedIn: Curious Minds Ghana [https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana]

The Dilemma of Unplanned Pregnancies

Unplanned pregnancies remain a major sexual and reproductive health challenge for young people in Ghana. Cultural, social, and religious expectations strongly shape how society views pregnancies outside of marriage, leaving many young people to navigate judgement, limited knowledge, and little support. Although safe abortion is legally permitted under certain conditions, stigma, cost, and lack of confidentiality keep many from accessing it; pushing some towards unsafe options. Those who continue the pregnancy often face school dropout, financial strain, and family tension, challenges that disproportionately affect young women. This episode explores the emotional, social, legal, and health realities surrounding unplanned pregnancies, highlighting how young people experience and manage them. Credits Host: Ransford Owusu-Ansah Panellists: Maryam, Mavis, Edmund, Jemima, Prince, Margaret & Emery Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro – The Curious Ring Interlude – Gidi Gidi (Fire) by Stonebwoy Closing – It Is Finished by Kofi Kinaata Connect with us: X: @cmghana [https://twitter.com/cmghana] Instagram: @cmghana [https://instagram.com/cmghana] Facebook: Curious Minds Ghana [https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana] LinkedIn: Curious Minds Ghana [https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana]

Is Period Poverty and Shame Still a Struggle in 2025?

Menstrual health remains a pressing sexual and reproductive health issue, yet silence, stigma, and inequality continue to surround it. Despite efforts to expand access to products and education, many girls and young women in Ghana still face barriers—from affordability challenges to cultural taboos that frame periods as shameful. Missed school or work due to inadequate care is still a reality, while boys and men remain largely excluded from the conversation. In this episode, we examine progress made, persistent gaps, and the impact of stigma on menstrual health in 2025. The discussion challenges harmful myths, highlights ongoing barriers, and explores how changing cultural attitudes can make menstruation a matter of dignity; not shame. Credits Host: Ransford Owusu-Ansah Panellists: Ralph, Akosua, Edmund, Hannatu, Prince, Margaret & Emery Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro – The Curious Ring Interlude – The Matter (Remix) by Lalid feat. Medikal Closing – Kakalika by Ibee Melody feat. Fancy Gadam Connect with us: X: @cmghana [https://twitter.com/cmghana] Instagram: @cmghana [https://instagram.com/cmghana] Facebook: Curious Minds Ghana [https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana] LinkedIn: Curious Minds-Ghana [https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana]

Do Men and Women Really Experience SRH That Differently?

Men and women navigate sexual and reproductive health under vastly different social expectations shaped by culture, religion, tradition, and power. Women are often judged harshly for sexual activity, while men are excused or even praised for the same behaviours. These double standards influence who initiates contraception conversations, how virginity and sexual experience are perceived, and how issues like menstruation, abortion, and pleasure are discussed—or silenced. For women, stigma and shame dominate conversations about SRHR, from menstrual taboos to virginity ideals. For men, virginity is often mocked, and masculinity is tied to dominance, detachment, and sexual assertiveness. These imbalances affect relationships, decision-making, and access to care, reinforcing harmful stereotypes that limit equity and open dialogue. In this episode, we compare these lived experiences and unpack how gendered expectations shape SRHR. The discussion highlights why dismantling double standards is vital for equity, respect, and healthier partnerships. Credits Host: Ransford Owusu-Ansah Panellists: Prince, Ralph, Akosua, Margaret & Hannatu Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro – The Curious Ring Interlude – Esi by Kontihene feat. Kwabena Kwabena Closing – Street Crown by Shatta Wale Connect with us: X: @cmghana [https://twitter.com/cmghana] Instagram: @cmghana [https://instagram.com/cmghana] Facebook: Curious Minds Ghana [https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana] LinkedIn: Curious Minds-Ghana [https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana]