UPDATED : 22nd August, 2024
ALSO READ : Part 2 | Central Region: Prostitution in Ghana, A comprehensive feature…
On the 10th of November 2020, Ghanaians awoke to a shocking revelation on almost every blogging platform, including the so called sanctimonious ones publishing an expose by a Ghanaian social media user, who listed on his social media page, 21 locations within the Greater Accra Region where prostitution takes place.
As if that was not enough, the user went ahead to include in his expose prices charged at those locations. Within one hour, the words “Ashawo”, “Prostitution” and “Hookup” were already trending on X ( formerly Twitter ). Something I think is trivially record breaking. What indulged our interest at DBlog was simple. These trends (i.e “Ashawo”, “Prostitution” and “Hookup” ) kept hold of their positions on X ( formerly Twitter ) for three straight days at first, second and third positions respectively.
In view of this, we asked ourselves what was it about this expose that got people’s interest on the edge.
Well, what we are about to share with you will blow your mind. Team DBlog decided to dig deeper into this issue and realised one serious issue, those 21 locations were not just about the only places this activity takes place but rather, at this point, we have come to the conclusion that the next biggest canker spreading it’s tentacles within the country, in every community, after Covid-19 (Corona Virus) is prostitution. our in-depth findings revealed some truths that had been rumoured for a long time that you might not know about. It might even be happening in your next door neighbour’s quarters if you ‘sniff a bit harder’.
So we dispatched our in-house reporters to conduct their findings and submit for publication what is really happening.
Our main focus was to look at where exactly these acts are happening, how they started, and go further to finding out what the Government, Law enforcement agencies, NGOs, as well as what organisations that matter, are doing about it.
This Featurette therefore, is arguably Ghana’s most comprehensive on this subject matter and will be treated to a twenty (20) part series to ease up your reading. At the end, you will be highly informed, educated and probably cautious.
GREATER ACCRA REGION
It will be very cruel or better put suicidal on our part not to start with the capital city of Ghana, Accra, when talking about prostitution. You are free to VISIT THIS LINK to read more about Accra as that is already covered there.
CHECK LOCATIONS BELOW
A
ABEKA (DOWN SOUTH)
ROOM 101 / AC PUB – These places are a bit hidden and shielded from public knowledge because during the day, they serve as real compound homes or houses with legitimate occupants who seem to work an 8am to 5pm job. But in reality they are brothels in disguise, with a mix of real homes housing legitimate families and some few over the counter businesses like provision shop, a drinking bar and a snooker table. The girls here do not go out like their other mates who roam the streets so their charges are mostly manageable. The tricky part is a client can go there anytime of day whether morning, noon or night to get what he wants for as low as 30gh.
ABLEKUMA
Yes! Ablekuma is a place you will least expect to see these activities but unfortunately the Joma Market, Some few kilometres after Ablekuma Curve have become a comfortable abode in the night for some girls, mostly Nigerians to serve men around that community. current information provided by reporters revealed that they are gradually spreading their trade around Borkorborkor, Agape down, Patty spot and it’s vicinity.
ACC
Levels Pub : The front view of Levels Pub has successfully been turned into a little red-light district by some Gang of Nigerian harlots from Kokrobite. From the way it looks, it seems these Prostitutes are in Connivance with the owners and management of the pub. So therefore, the pub itself has allowed their rest areas to be used by these girls. This has given rise to other areas like the Hotel next to the pub also being used for such activities. Reporters also gathered that such activities are gradually spreading their wings across almost every part of that stretch.
ACCRA CENTRAL
Club House : The Club House just around Zongo Lane, A few metres walk or drive from Hot 93.9 FM is where all kinds of Musical instruments and music making machines are sold. This place is awfully a sight to behold in the night. There is actually a place around the Club House where the prostitutes had gone ahead to luminate the path to their dens in red light to inform those who know that they are open for business.
Rawlings Park : For a park named after the first and former late president of Ghana Flt. Lft. Jerry John Rawlings, be used for heavy Prostitution and other criminal activities in plain sight is a shame and utmost indictment on city authorities whom we believe know about this but keeps mute over it. Could this be the reason why Popular Highlife Musican Akosua Agyepong’s Restaurant no more operate from the Rawlings Park? In the night the Rawlings park becomes another form of Red Light zone with several of them sprinkled like female watchdog committees awaiting a client to approach them. You can also find them around the huge five (5) Storey Hotel opposite the mosque after Selva Prime and Opportunity International.
Lava Stores & Makola : reporters returned with a shocking revelation of a growing number of girls developing their own kind of red light communities all the way from the porpular LAVA stores towards the Makola Number 1 Stretch. use the Knutsford Street in the night, after the stores had closed. This vicinity gets converted into a whole night market with open air Barber joints, drinking spots, food joints and of course sisters of the night.
Other Places : Other places these Activities happen inside Accra Central, specifically after Clubhouse is Korliokor, Ayata Corner, Kenkey Line and Mafia Line.
ACHIMOTA
Achimota Old Station : Right across the railway behind the Achimota Old Station through to the other side, you will see makeshift wooden structures disguised as eating and drinking bars. Inside these disguised places are these girls plying the age old profession that seem never ever to go away.
Back in 2006, when a Chinese Business man opened a Night Club where patrons came to watch Mapouka Dances and had fun, The Abofu bus stop and it’s environs was one of the busiest place for these activities but the closure of this Night Club by Former President Kufour due to concerns raised by residents in the Abofu community, obviously made them relocate to the railways.
Achimota St. Johns School : You will also find them inside the compound of Kary’s Guest House, next to vision 1 93.5 FM, at Toppers Guest House and around the Achimota ECG District Office. Further checks revealed the presence of makeshift buildings right behind the newly built Lordina Mahama’s Achimota Mall. Used for these activities.
ADABRAKA
Moonlight : You will see them around the Overhead at Moonlight.
ADENTA BARRIER
Everyday 9pm through to 4am, the Adenta barrier, like a chameleon, changes into a red light district. You will find them standing aimlessly under the newly built overpass, in front of Cheezy Peezy Restaurant, Jessies Pub, MEKO Restaurant and it’s surroundings. The girls here, according to reporters mostly come there from Dodowa, Abokobi, Madina and surrounding communities. Unfortunately, they are not cheap at all.
ALAJI
The Alaji station and it’s environs is the newest addition to the ever growing list of red light districts virtually taking over the beautiful and tranquility Accra used to enjoy until this cankerous goose was let out of the bag.
ANYAA MARKET
Reporters returned with some pretty hidden revelation about prostitution at Anyaa. It actually happens as a little night market among some residents leaving in makeshift buildings built with wood and aluminium roofing sheets. most of these makeshifts are within the Anyaa Market. Just opposite the Public toilet, closer to International Central Gospel Church (ICGC). Unfortunately, Some drug addicts have taken this as an opportunity to rob innocent passersby of their belongings in case they come there to access the services of these ‘sisters’. Also, just beside the Anyaa Zonal District of the newly built Ghana National Fire Service is a little area taken over by the prostitutes for this business. The presence of the public bathhouse and the unavailability of street lights according to information gathered by reporters is what is contributing to the practice in the Area.
ASHAIMAN
Ashaiman Main Police station: Deliberately flying a drone within this area will reveal a vast land of scanty and shanty wooden structures culminating into a “slumhood” of not just buildings used as places of abode by most of the inhabitants here but also a lot of prostitutes. Yes read this right, a lot of them. Most of them were brought there from Nigeria. An article we sighted online even before conducting our findings had mentioned that this is the go to place if you are in dire need of surrogate mothers to give you a baby. Team DBlog is asking why this is happening right behind a Law enforcement agency like Ghana Police Service, but then nothing has been done about it. The area covered by these structures and the prostitutes leaving in them could stretch into several kilometres when converted into a single lane apartment. According to reporters. It’s like a whole excursion or better put an expedition when you find yourself in this vicinity.
C
CANTONMENTS
When it comes to prostitution inside Cantonments area, Don’t get it twisted. you will see them standing by the street all the way from St. Thomas Acquinas Secondary School, Just after The Morning Star School, through the roundabout, The Togo Embassy, through to the junction that connects commuters and Pedestrians to the Elwak Stadium stretch – Girls here are really choosy and looking for clients with their own cars and enough money to waste in a night.
CAPRICE
Just behind the former Boomerang night club (Now Taggetz Night Club) is a four to Five storey hostel being used as a brothel probably without the knowledge of the owner. The girls here are very choosy and of high class. You mostly see their clients come and go in heavy and porche cars.
CIRCLE
Late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Circle, Now Kwame Nkrumah Interchange by the kind courtesy of President Mahama, is always referred to as the senior when it comes to prostitution. The reason this is so we do not know. But further checks revealed that Circle, which is luckily the Centre of Accra, is where it all begun.
They ply their trade around Niagara Hotel, Behind former Quick Angels and Quick Credit Limited Office, The Nungua Lorry station, Former Chinese Restaurant, Vienna City Casino and Bar, Cumberland Hotel, The Loom Art Centre and it’s environs.
You can also find them Around and under the Circle interchange and also at a hotel next to the Rex Cinema, Other places includes The NottinGham International Hotel Area. It’s between The office of The New Patriotic Party headquarters (NPP) and Accra Technical Training Institute (ATTC)
D
DANSOMAN
Unlike other communities that has nothing to show for their existence all these years, the American adopted (DC) name for this society does have names like Popular and Awards Winning Reggae Dancehall Musician Samini and popular Boxing Champion Ike Bazooka Quartey tagged to its name. But then DBlog thinks it’s near pity for Dansoman to allow prostitution to taint it’s name. You will see them “hovering around like Drones” without better pilots from the Dansoman Main Market, through to former Timberland Pub, to the Exhibition roundabout, around Seven Great Princes Academy, across to Mascot hotel and ECG Power station, trickling down to some 2 pubs of which reporters forgot to pick up names, all the way to Kit Kat Bar and Night Club.
DARKUMAN
Darkuman kept clean off our RADAR during these findings until Abrewa Nana Pub and Night Club emerged after Fadama Junction. The presence of this “Genging and Benging” Eatery, Pub and Night Club, have quickly given rise to a mushrooming influx of Hookup Girls who prey on customers who come to have fun at the Pub and Night Club. The behaviour of the girls here are really unconventional. Park your car and go have fun, on your return, its as if they have been sent purposefully to be your toy to take home. you will see them standing and awaiting on the owners of the cars parked. They are not really shy at all to make the first approach.
DOME
The huge and ever Busy Market as well as that big well populated church (The Mega Church – King of Kings Cathedral, Dome) before the market gives Dome an innocent look. Little will you suspect that a nameless Hotel or Guest House (Least to say) After Abokobi Area Rural Bank and located beside the Block Factory, just before the Dome Railway Line is home to these sisters. in the evening, they jump right out of bed to do brisk business around the Block Factory and also around the Railway Line Area. reporters also found out that their presence is well felt when you decide to be a bit curious and trudge your way alongside the rails. Either towards Taifa or Towards Achimota.
E
EAST LEGON
AMERICAN HOUSE : If most of the states in the United States of America have legalised the “old age profession” under the disguise of regulation, security for it’s practitioners and protection. Must we be surprised to hear that American House, inside East Legon and its environs is gradually becoming a red light district? again reporters found out that, just when the backyard of the American House building was converted into an entertainment and food fair grounds for the Apocalypse Event. most of the sisters of the night found it meaningful to ply the trade there to lure unsuspecting event goers into using their monies for their purpose as well.
ARTEMUDA – This place is a very popular drinking and pork eatery bar inside East Legon. Driving through the streets from KFC towards the east legon neighbourhood this bar is not hidden at all. Users of this street have gone the extra mile to even term Artemuda the gateway to East Legon , It’s the bar at East Legon Abedi Pele’s residence.
COACHES PUB and GUEST HOUSE: In plain site, it’s just your normal PUB and Guest house but reporters found out that it’s more than that when the sun goes down. All hookers and their clients access the Guest house and use their rooms for their brisk new found business. It’s also rumoured that from 11pm on Friday nights to 2am on saturdays are so fun filled in the PUB. Fun lovers gather there for shows amidst exotic dancers and heavy spenders. Locate this pub and Guest house just few metres behind Knutsford University.
KFC – The East Legon Branch of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has its fair share of all kinds of prostitutes who conduct their business in the open without shame.
VERBS – a popular drinking spot not far from UPS and approximately seven minutes drive from the University of Ghana. The ladies here need the money too and would sometimes do the chasing once your intentions are clear. But a renovation took VERBS and it’s memories away.
YENKODI BAR AND RESTAURANT : This place is a very popular drinking and eatery joint inside East Legon. After here, you get to join the T-junction that branches any traveler into the plush houses built in this community. in the evenings, what use to be a cozy and fun to be place becomes a baiting spot for these girls most of whom rumour has it that, they come from the campuses of the University of Professional Studies (UPS) and the University of Ghana (UG), Legon. It’s about half a kilometre away from former popular footballer and captain of the Black Stars of Ghana, Abedi Pele’s residence.
K
KANESHIE
To hear that Kaneshie does have a little Red Light Community will drop jaws. This is because what Kaneshie is really noted for is it’s huge local market mall. But then just opposite it, close to the Takoradi station is a place reporters wander how it all started. Do not be deceived when you are told that Kaneshie is free from these sisters. Real business is happening there. Just ask for the Kaneshie Cold Store if you really want to confirm this before probably you deliver this evidence to the authorities or any organisation that matter.
KORLE GONNO
It starts right from the Korle Gonno beach resort on beach days and other events held not just at the resort but also the Nordsee Beach Resort which recently added a Night Club to their group of entertainment centres at Korle Gonno. These sisters lure unsuspecting fun and events goers to access their services. The saddest thing here is if you get too cheap in your request. they could get you into illegal or makeshift structures where their pimps could get and beat you robbing you of your money and other assets. Be careful going to this place alone.
KOKOMLEMLE
Kokomlemle is bedevilled with a whole Hotel being used by the sisters of the night. It’s located right opposite papa’s Pizza a few metres away from the Vodafone Main office. This Hotel is called Birttania Hotel. You can also find them grouped like market women infront of Florenco Gardens Hotel, on the same road as Fidelity Bank, New Town Road. and other host of Hotels and Guest Houses spread accross Kokomlemle.
KWABENYA
Musuku: They are spread and scattered all the way from the Musuku bus stop, in front and around Justorch restaurant to the roundabout ajoining Kwabenya and Ashongman Estates. A walk from the Musuku roundabout towards the Kwabenya Main Station will reveal a long array of night girls standing purposefully and strategically by the road either dancing or pacing to attract clients who may find themselves in these areas because of them.
Kwabenya Station: You will find them at the main Kwabenya lorry station.
L
LAPAZ
Lapaz will rate number 2 after Circle if today were to be a day for “Ghana Hookup Awards“. The reason for this is so simple. By the advent of several hotels, guest houses and dark corners created over time at these places, reporters found out that it’s catchment is very active spanning several kilometres of real Red Light activity from mostly 7pm to like 5am. They are spread out from the Abrantie bus stop, under the overpass, opposite Stella’s Restaurant, through to the Nyamekye Tabora bus stop. You can also find them at a drinking spot close to the lapaz New market and the public toilet, as well as Bigot Hotel just opposite Abramte3 Amakye Dede’s Pub.
Kum Hotel : The completion of the Kum Hotel has also given rise to their premises being used for short-lived engagements by the prostitutes.
LABADI
Find them at the beach, they mostly hang around the restaurants and the Pubs in there. You can also find them at Labadi Maamli Apese. In fact further checks even revealed that a hotel has allowed itself to pass for this activity being boosted by the sisters of the night.
M
MADINA
At Madina, reporters say they are widespread across the whole area, At the Markets, The lorry stations, The RedCo Flats area, La-Nkwantanang LA Primary and Basic Schools, Ritz Junction, etc…
N
NEW LEGON
Rosa Rosa Area : Shocked right ? Well don’t be. At least, not yet. Like we stated earlier in this feature, almost every community is gradually turning into what we call ” Hidden Red Light District” (HRLD) in Ghana. The Rosa Rosa area at New Legon, just after The CSIR – Animal Research Institute have joined the band wagon and gradually bulldozing it’s way to the top of the list. A visit to that new Pub cum Guest house, directly opposite New Legon Medical Centre by reporters believe is a contributing factor to this canker. Between the hours of 7pm and 12am throughout the year, these girls, mostly Nigerians ply their trade under the disguise of attending a party or a fun filled friendly meeting. There seem to be rooms also readily available for patrons and customers to spend the night however they please. Talking to one indomie and spaghetti seller (name withheld) at this place, she said the presence of these girls have created a boom for her business as she could sell deep into the night. something that was not possible before.
NEW TOWN
Société General / House Party Computers : New Town is noted for it’s contribution to Ghana’s economy for all kinds of commercial printing materials and services. Little did we know that this extremely busy and highly commutable vicinity, could harbour such activities. Directly opposite the Societe Generale Bank, next to House Party Computers is a dusty or muddy route that throws passersby into a house which could best be described as a brothel. even if you do not know of the presence of such an activity in this place, the mere fact that the sisters are the ones who invite you into their tiny cubicles if you happen to accidentally use that route is enough to raise the red flags about an established hidden red light business happening there. A search for DaWaDaWa Link via Ghana Post GPS APP will point you in the right Direction.
NIMA
22 line : Nima has gained notoriety due to the pockets of violence between gangs and their rivals but it’s also a place prostitution is heavy for so long so much that, it seems to have been perfectly woven and accepted as a normal communal practice among some women. Ask of the 22 line at Nima and it’s so easy for you to be directed there. You find some heavily bleached women whose major source of income is prostitution and nothing more.
Police Station : Just like it’s Ashaiman counterpart, just behind Nima police station is the presence of these activities but the authorities have turned a blind eye to this. Is this deliberate or just sheer negligence. Reporters are still finding what really is happening with Nima and Prostitution.
NUNGUA
After dropping from the Nungua last stop station, Bro! look no further. Just start walking as if you going towards Sakumono or Nungua barrier. On your way you will see most of these sisters either standing, walking or roaming the streets. They mostly stand in front of the Italian Boy pub, Abrefi spot all the way to the bridge that climbs over a big gutter currently being used as a refuse dump. Reporters even mentioned that a Guest house beside the gutter as well as the bridge is used for the purpose for which these girls find themselves in that area.
O
ODORKOR
Over here, reporters claim they nearly got attacked by the heavy presence of weed guys whose presence made it near impossible to talk to some of the hookup girls there to ascertain the truth if really Odorkor is a bane for these acts. You will find them right from the Odorkor traffic light, through the post office, all the way to Water Works bus stop. Water works is just opposite Kpogas furniture.
OFANKOR
Yes! and a big YES. Ofankor have joined the band wagon of Ashawo places and speedily racing to the top on the list. This is because, the owner of a very huge white building used as a drinking bar and Guest house, has allowed these activities to take precedence over any other interest at Ofankor. It is just few meters, before the Ofankor barrier, after the Taifa – Ofankor, Pokuase highway stretch.
OSU
Danquah Circle, Koala shopping Mall, Fidelity Bank, Adjoatse Street, all the way to the Ebenezer Church. You can also see them inside Fridays Drinking Spot just behind the Filling station at Danquah Circle main bus stop. They have gone ahead to ignore the presence of the holy building belonging to the Pentecost Church of Ghana and even used their front view for these activities. Other places they ply their trade includes Hot Gossip Night Club area, Vanity Night Club area, Papaye area, etc…
P
POKUASE
The Timber Market at Pokuase has gradually become an attractive spot for prostitution and reporters say their findings points to the fact that the newly built four (4) tier interchange may even escalate the issue very soon. As time eroded, the timber market has slowly culminated into some form of slum that allows drug peddlers to also conduct their business there. The road behind the Timber Market, which leads into a beautiful and serene area of plush buildings is gradually turning into a night market for prostitutes. This is very worrying.
S
SPINTEX
Spintex, over the years have become a highly placed and situated community for massive prostitution due to the fact that a lot of Pubs, Night Clubs and Hotels have sprung up in the area, The red Light business, according to reports mentions Kotobabi and the Ecobank area as where these “illegal activities” happen.
18 JUNCTION : The longetivity of The NHYIRABA KOJO SPOT has given rise to a little empire of call girls who throng the area in search for clients to patronise their services. Especially on Club days.
SAKUMONO
Ssnit Flats: They are present Also at the Sakumono SSNIT Flats area as well as, the Sakumono Estate Junction, C&J Medicare Hospital, Ramsar Towers on the Sakumono Broadway Street. You can also find them at the Titanic Beach after Sakumono Township.
SOWUTUOM
Mambo : The Mambo spot and guest house right after the Sowutuom bus stop is gradually turning into a massive spot for prostitution. According to our reporters, the reason for this is the heavy presence of drinking bars, pubs and some guesthouses springing up in this area. Unfortunately most of the prostitutes plying this illegal age-old profession are Nigerian.
T
TABORA
They are heavily present along the roadside from Tabora number 2, 3 and 6 Bus stops. At Tabora number 6, you can find them at Risdot Guest House. Looks like they have successfully ended up in converting Risdot Guest House into a kind of a mini Brothel, probably without the knowledge of the Owner.
TAIFA
Alaji Hotel : The presence of this hideout lodge and Pub called Alaji Hotel makes it so easy for these activities to happen. Reporters also say you can find them around the GroovyLand Guest House Area. Just behind the Block Factory at Taifa Junction. This is where the services of these girls are offered at charges not so expensive to break the pocket. You will mostly find them seated at the bar awaiting on men to approach them. It’s where everything begins. One shocking revelation even has it that, at rush hour, some of the prostitutes, even offer RAW services at extra charge.
TEMA
There are places around Tema in communities 8, 11 and 1 that makes it easy to find prostitutes. reporters found it a bit difficult getting locations here but the few they got is enough to ignite some form of interest.
Community 8: Find them on the 5th Avenue Street, St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church area, through Datus Complex Schools area.
TESHIE
Teshie Tsui Bleoo is the location where such activities takes place. Our reporters are still gathering more info and will soon be updated when such information becomes available.
WEIJA
Choice Bus Stop : Prostitutes have also turned the Choice Bus Stop and it’s surrounding places at Weija into a red light District as well. You will see them standing around Channel’s London Bar, The Choice Bus Stop, Prudential Bank Ltd, Eddy,s Pizza and Former Global Cinemas, Now Functions GH.
SOURCE : DBlog | www.digirefera.com/dblog
PHOTO CREDIT : MC MULTIMEDIA