Unemployment pushed us into commercial sex – migrant sex workers 

By Deborah Naa Aku Allotey 

Tema, Jan. 27, GNA – Some commercial sex workers in Tema who claimed they migrated from other African countries to work in Ghana have disclosed that they were pushed into jobs due to unemployment. 

They indicated that in their quest to make a living and survive the harsh economic situation in their native countries, they had to migrate to Ghana and sell their bodies for money to survive. 

However, these women said they face significant challenges, including societal stigma, safety concerns, health risks, and economic instability. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), some of the commercial workers who pleaded anonymity noted that working as commercial sex workers had helped them to meet their needs and those of their families. 

A Nigerian university graduate, name withheld, working in Ghana as a commercial sex worker, revealed that she had remained unemployed for about five years in her country, with its resultant economic hardships leaving her with no choice but to relocate to Ghana when her friend told her of the money she was making in the trade. 

She explained, “I often face societal stigma, which leads to discrimination in various areas of life, including housing and employment. Adding that I do not understand why landlords in Ghana refuse to rent rooms to us.  

According to her, due to the stigma, she decided to quit the job and look for something better to do, but she could not get menial job opportunities such as a salesperson, as she could not use prostitution as work experience to boost her chances. 

An 18-year-old sex worker who pleaded anonymity recounted how she was deceived into the trade and threatened to be used for rituals if she declined. 

“An older lady brought me here with promises of work, but I did not know it was sex work. Now, I cannot quit until I serve her for a few years,” she lamented. 

She disclosed that, “I didn’t want to do it, but the lady took our public hair and nails and threatened some of us that she’ll use us for rituals.” 

Miss Chidima Akpotha, another worker, emphasised that they try to mitigate the risk of contracting diseases from their client by making use of condoms, contraceptives, and visiting health facilities regularly. 

She also highlighted the risks of dealing with violent clients, saying, “Some clients are very calm, which I appreciate, but others are abusive and violent; with such clients, I can’t stay calm either.” 

They disclosed that despite the challenges, sex trade was lucrative, stressing that “If you plan well, you can earn as much as 300,000 Naira, which is equivalent to GHC 2,912.23 in a month. That is a lot of money back home.” 

They advised others against entering the trade as, according to them, it was not a decent job. 

GNA