The President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has identified the growing hook-up culture and the rise of sex parties among young people as major contributing factors to the recent surge in HIV/AIDS cases in the country.


Speaking on GTV breakfast show in reaction to the 2024 AIDS Report, Mr. Ortsin expressed deep concern over the alarming trends, noting that Ghana is witnessing a worrying increase in new infections, particularly among the youth and mining populations. He emphasized that the casualization of sex, driven by social media influence and peer pressure, is eroding moral boundaries and increasing exposure to risky sexual behaviors.

According to Mr. Ortsin, the report shows that many young people now view transactional and casual sexual encounters as normal social activities, with little regard for the health risks involved. He highlighted that such trends, coupled with low condom use and inadequate sexual education, are fueling the spread of HIV.

The GHANET president also noted that the proliferation of private sex parties and “hook-up” arrangements often organized through digital platforms has made monitoring and prevention efforts increasingly difficult for health authorities.

Mr. Ortsin called for a nationwide behavioral change campaign and renewed investment in sexual health education, especially targeting schools and social media platforms.

He urged parents, religious leaders, and policymakers to join forces in addressing the moral and social dimensions of the epidemic. He further stressed that the fight against HIV/AIDS requires not only medical intervention but also a cultural shift that promotes responsible sexual behavior, self-discipline, and awareness among the youth.