When the Tables Turn: The Kasoa Women, an Uber Driver, and a Hard Conversation About Desire

In a story that has sparked intense debate across Ghana, one of the three women accused of sexually assaulting an Uber driver has come forward with a startling defense: she says women are also starving for intimacy, and when men won't approach them, some take matters into their own hands. The comments, made on Kasapa FM, have ignited a national conversation about gender, desire, and double standards in modern Ghanaian society.

What did the woman say about the alleged assault?

The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, defended the group's actions by claiming that a lack of attention from men drove them to such encounters. She argued that when the opportunity arose, they saw it as a way to satisfy their own needs, questioning why the male victim was making a public issue of the incident.

I have not got any man coming my way for us to be in a relationship. That is what we also do to make ourselves happy. We wouldn't say that because men are scared of approaching us, we wouldn't have sex. After having sex with us, didn't he enjoy it? she said.

Why does she think men are not approaching them?

Offering her own analysis, the woman suggested that men might be intimidated by their appearance, body shapes, or perceived social status. She insisted that their intention was never prostitution, but rather a genuine search for connection.

Sometimes, we can dress up and step out, not to say we are into prostitution, but because we want a man in our lives, she noted.

What happened between the women and the Uber driver?

The controversy began when Kwame, an Uber driver living in Kasoa Budumburam, recounted an alleged assault that took place at an apartment in East Legon Hills. According to his account, the three women hired him for a trip and asked him to enter their apartment briefly to familiarize himself with the location for a return journey the next morning.

The situation escalated quickly. One of the women locked the door and took the keys. All three women were well-built and stout, while I am smallish, so they overpowered me and began running their hands all over my body, he said.

Despite his pleas, the driver said the women took turns assaulting him, leaving him physically weak and unable to move for hours afterward. I couldn't move after the ordeal because I was weak after the encounter. I dragged myself slowly into my car, where I managed to sleep for about two hours, he disclosed.

Is this an isolated incident?

The woman claimed this was not the first time the group had engaged in such behavior. According to her, two other men had previously experienced similar encounters but chose not to go public, a fact she used to question the driver's decision to speak out.

He is not the only person who is a victim. He is about the third man we have done that to, so why haven't the other two men taken the issue to the public? she asked.

What does this story say about gender dynamics in Ghana?

This case raises uncomfortable questions about how Ghanaian society views sexual assault depending on the gender of the victim. While the legal framework in Ghana recognizes both men and women as potential victims of sexual violence, cultural stigma often silences male survivors. The public reaction to this story, and the woman's willingness to frame her actions as a response to romantic frustration, highlights a growing conversation about female agency, male vulnerability, and the changing landscape of relationships in urban Ghana.

For business and innovation watchers, this story also underscores the gig economy's role in exposing workers to unique risks. Ride-hailing platforms like Uber have transformed urban mobility, but they have also created new vulnerabilities for drivers who operate alone, often in unfamiliar neighborhoods. As Ghana's digital economy expands, conversations about safety protocols and support systems for gig workers will become increasingly important.

What happens next?

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether formal charges will be filed in this case. The driver has shared his ordeal publicly, and the women have offered their defense through the media. As the story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder that the conversation around consent, desire, and safety in Ghana is far from over.

For now, the nation watches and debates. And in true Ghanaian fashion, the discussion is loud, passionate, and impossible to ignore.