Assisted reproductive technologies and indigenous Akan ethics: A critical analysis

The chapter assesses the moral acceptability or otherwise as well as the likely cultural implications of the use of sex selection reproductive technology in traditional African cultures. Technology, as we know it, is a tool used to make human lives better, more comfortable and efficient. Our world today is a witness to a remarkable and overwhelming amount of progress made in terms of technological advancement far beyond our imaginations. The African continent, although not a significant producer of modern technology, is a great consumer of it. There is no denying the tremendous positive impact technology has had and continues to have on the lives of Africans. However, occasionally, the effect of some technology on the African people's traditional ways of life and their esteemed cultural values are brought into question. The chapter addresses one of such situations by assessing the cultural impact and moral acceptability or otherwise of the use of sex selection reproductive technology on the cultural traditions and values of the African people, especially bearing in mind the patriarchal nature of their cultural traditions. The paper ultimately makes an argument in favour of controlled use of sex selection reproductive technology in traditional African cultures even for non-medical purposes.