Dilemmas in counselling sexual minorities in Ghana: Ethical stances and counsellors’ perception

Abstract

Given the current state of affairs in Ghana as regards the intention to pass the "anti-homosexuality bill and the negativities associated with the LGBTQIA+ individuals (sexual minorities), it is unclear whether Ghanaian counsellors are willing to serve sexual minority clients. Ascertaining their perceptions and ethical stances would inform best practice. This study, explored counsellors’ perspectives about the sexual minority group and investigated factors that influence their decision to serve them. Materials and methods: A validated questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional survey involving 250 stratified counsellors. Data were analysed with frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment correlation and multinomial logistic regression. Results: The finding showed that although most Ghanaian counsellors perceived sexual minority act as immoral, they did not have any ethical dilemma as regarding service provision for them. While the counsellors’ personal values did not statistically significantly associate with their willingness to serve sexual minority clients, their cultural or religious values did positively. Furthermore, Ghanaian counsellors’ willingness to serve sexual minority clients was negatively influenced by sex and positively by years of counselling experience. Conclusion and recommendations: The study concludes that although the counsellors uphold their ethical stance to provide services to sexual minority clients, their cultural or religious values, sex and years of practise influence their willingness to serve them. The study recommends the establishment of codes of ethics which are cultural and religious sensitive and also addresses the personal values in such matters.