Specialist psychiatrist at the Korle bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Albert Sedohia has linked the reported disappearing or shrinking manhood syndrome in Kasoa and its surrounding communities to stress-induced psychological issues.
Two persons are currently in court for causing fear and panic over some incidents, but frightened residents say they will not leave anything to chance.
Reports on social media suggest that some individuals have reported that their male organs have disappeared almost a decade after the last incident.
One resident, Jojo said “I am a man so of course, I need to be scared. I don’t stay in Kasoa but since I came to board a car back home, I am extremely careful. As I stand here, I am protecting it”.
Another, a 62-year- old resident of Fadama, sitting idle under a Momo canopy also explained that the last time he heard of such a thing was about 10 years ago and so its scary.
“You don’t know if its spiritual or physical and it is happening in broad day light. It’s an issue and I am worried,” he said.
The residents of Kasoa, in the Central Region believe that a cartel is perpetuating the recent cases.
One resident, Mr Moro said “it’s a business. One of the guys who was arrested confessed that they are many and they have been sent to go into town and make peoples manhood disappear. Immediately the thing vanishes, one of them will emerge and profess solution. So it’s a business venture”.
Mariama, a second hand clothes seller opposite the police depot said “my husband comes here to check up on me everyday. What will I do if these people touch him and his also vanishes? I am a married woman and I cannot cheat,” she concluded.
Our checks at the Kasoa Divisional Police Station revealed that two cases are currently in court.
Ahmed says he witnessed an alleged case brought to the police station close to his business.
“The guy sells secondhand shoes, and he said the guy hit him on the shoulder and he felt a sharp pain at his abdomen and his penis vanished. When he opened his flap at the police station, everything has shrunk inside with just a tiny tip showing with hair on it” he narrated.
But specialist psychiatrist at the Korle bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Albert Sedohia, suggests that the penis shrinkage phenomenon may be a psychological issue induced by stress.
He said research indicates that it typically occurs cyclically, occurring at intervals of 5-10 years or more, and is not unique to Ghana.
“These individuals are under some form of stress. So, they are in the state of hyper arousal and they have heightened experience of physical or psychological arousal. Yes, in some instances it was reported that there was some shrinkage but, in the end, everything returns to normal,” he explained.
He therefor urged those affected to seek medical attention.
“No one can touch you for your manhood to shrink. It’s as a result of stress and it’s a psychological issue so go to the hospital when you have such an issue,” Dr. Sedohia stressed.
By Sarah Apenkroh 3news.com