The Ghana Police have arrested some 34 women for engaging in pro$titution, often known as the ‘Ashawo’ business.
This was after recent complaints received from concerned citizens showed that some young ladies had been parading the streets of the metropolis at night soliciting clients for pro$titution.
The Tema Regional Police Command organised an intelligent-led operation to bring see sanity into the metropolis.
The arrested led to the arrest of the female Ghanaians, Liberian and Nigeria nationalities at Subon Valley at Community Seven 7, Sabrina Hotel area at Site 17 Community one as well as Viena City and Datus area both in Community 8.
Police Arrest 34 ‘Ashawo’ Girls In Tema
Investigations disclosed that the accused persons have been operating as pro$titutes whose modus operandi was to stand at street corners and make faces at men, smiled at them and made gestures with their mouths to obtain clients for pro$titution.
After investigations, the accused persons were charged with the offence and arraigned.
In court, the accused person was each granted bail of GHs5,000 with two sureties.
Police ordered to authenticate the identity of each of the accused persons before bail can be considered.
They are to appear in court on March 15
Is Pro$titution Illegal In Ghana
Pro$titution in Ghana is illegal but widespread, so much so that many Ghanaians are unaware that it is prohibited. There are growing s€x tourism, child pro$titution and human trafficking. High rates of unemployment and poverty in Ghana are believed to be causing a drastic growth in the s€x industry. Unemployment is a reason the teenage engage in s€x trade. A high percentage of s€x workers are vulnerable to HIV.
Some pro$titutes in Ghana are campaigning for the s€x trade to be legalised, and discussions have taken place.
Ghana’s former Prime Minister, Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, an Oxford sociologist, wrote a thesis on pro$titution “Report on a social survey of Sekondi-Takoradi.“
Roamers tend to be younger women and work on the streets, bars and hotels. “Pilots”, often taxi-drivers, work as intermediaries between the women and clients in hotels. They usually get a fee from both parties. They also help the women get into the hotels as most have a no single women rule. Hotel staff may also take bribes to let the women in.
The women face occasional violence from the customers, or more commonly refusal to pay. Hotel staff may exploit them.
UNAIDS estimate there are 52,000 pro$t!tutes in the country.