Ghana AIDS Commission to introduce thinner condoms after complaints over comfort and pleasure

The Ghana AIDS Commission is set to introduce a new range of thinner and more comfortable condoms from Friday, November 6, following complaints from some Ghanaians that existing products are too thick, too small, and reduce sexual pleasure.

The new condoms are expected to be released in batches ahead of the festive season, when demand for condoms and other sexual health products is likely to increase.

Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, said the new products had been developed with feedback from users in mind, particularly concerns about comfort, size and the natural feeling during sex.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Akanbong said the Commission had received various complaints from people who felt uncomfortable using condoms, with some comparing the experience to eating a toffee without removing its wrapper.

He explained that such concerns had contributed to reluctance among some people to use condoms, despite their importance in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as unintended pregnancies.

"You realise that people have indicated various reasons that you can't eat a toffee with the wrapper on. It's not the same as the natural feeling," he said.

He added that other users had complained that condoms available on the market were either too small or too thick.

"Others have even said the condoms are smaller, some have said they're thicker, and a whole lot of factors are given for not using the condoms," Dr Akanbong stated.

According to him, the Commission has considered these concerns in developing its next condom and lubricant strategy to encourage more people to use condoms consistently.

He disclosed that the first batch of the new condoms would be released on Friday, November 6, with subsequent supplies distributed weekly to meet expected demand across the country.

"So we'll put all this together into our next condoms and lubricant strategy. So from tomorrow, Friday, the first batch will be released, and subsequently they will be released in weekly forms to meet the national demand coming towards the festivities," he said.

Dr Akanbong also indicated that the new range would take into account complaints about condom sizes, particularly concerns that some products available on the market were not suitable for Ghanaian men.

He said the Commission had considered the need to provide more appropriate sizes to improve comfort and encourage wider use.

"One of the reasons for that is that condoms were smaller for Ghanaian men. So we are considering that so that we have much more appropriate-sized condoms," he explained.