Commerial sexual exploitation: About 100,000 children affected
Mrs Abena Anobea Asare
About 100,000 children in Ghana are sexually abused and exploited mainly for profit, a study from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), has revealed.
The number falls short of the global figure of 4.8 million people who are exploited with women and children in the majority while 30 per cent of all victims are from Africa.
The culprits behind this exploitation keep the business flourishing with the children charging between GH¢3.00 and GH¢2,000 depending on how well they negotiate.
Ms Abena Anobea Asare, a Director of Human Trafficking Unit at the MoGCSP, made this disclosure last Tuesday, at a workshop organised by the Public Health Nurses’ School at Korle-Bu in Accra.
It was on the theme ‘Child prostitution, a public health concern.’
By definition, she described prostitution as ‘selling’ one’s body or receipt of money on behalf of someone in exchange for sex and other sexual related activities.
She stated that child prostitution was the worst form of child labour and a crime, mentioning Section 91(2) of Act 560 of the Children’s Act and Article 3a and 3b of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 182 which describes it as a hazardous work.
She identified pressure from family members for children to bring money, illiteracy, school dropout, ignorance, domestic violence, broken homes, insecurity, globalisation, internet access and improper use of technology as well as weak border control were factors that has contributed to the child sexual exploitation.
She said it was difficult for victims of child prostitution to quit the act because of peer pressure, induced drug addiction and dependencies, economic necessity, seized documents and lack of access to communication.
According to Ms Asare, the act was abusive, hazardous and does not allow the child to benefit fully from school due to various forms of trauma, self-lost, working for long hours and denial of night sleeps.
“It steals the childhood of the child,” she said, adding that, it was exploitative which deprives the person of his or her basic human rights.
According to her, commercial sex exploitation of children can take place at brothels, on the street, homes of people who brings ‘customers’ to take a percentage of the profits from the sexual activities.
“Occasionally, a pimp is a family member of the victim, brokering the sexual favours of their daughter or niece for financial gains,” Ms Asare added.
According to her, the practice had become a public health issue due to its negative impact on the child, family and effects on the society and the country at large.
In an attempt to address the challenge, she said her outfit was involved in awareness creation, and capacity building for children, parents and other stakeholders.
Also, she said the ministry was involved in rescuing, rehabilitating and reintegrating victims into the society while pimps or hookers are punished or convicted when caught.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Ghanaian cinema continues to break boundaries as Vibes The Movie has received an official nomination at the prestigious Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Toronto.
This latest international recognition is another proud moment for Ghana and a powerful testament to the creativity, originality, and global appeal of Ghanaian storytelling.
Directed by Big Ghun and starring Jeffrey Nortey, Vibes The Movie evolved from the hugely successful social media series, where the beloved characters Obolo Tui and Lil Pui captured the hearts of millions with their unique blend of rap, comedy, and relatable stories about the everyday struggles and ambitions of Ghanaian youth.
The film has already brought honour to Ghana on the international stage, most recently winning an Outstanding Achievement Award at the American Motion Pictures Festival in the United States.
The Chronicle noted that the film was recognized for its originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling impact among a competitive pool of global entries.
Now, with a nomination at TINFF in Canada, Vibes The Movie continues its remarkable journey from the streets of Accra to some of the world’s most respected film platforms.
The nomination underscores the growing global appreciation for authentic African stories and confirms that Ghanaian filmmakers are making a significant mark in international cinema.
As Vibes The Movie flies the Black Star high in Toronto, Ghana celebrates yet another cultural achievement that showcases the country’s talent, resilience, and storytelling excellence to the world
A prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has broken silence on the deep-seated internal machinations within the party, warning that the continuous victimization of members could severely jeopardize unity ahead of the general elections.
In a post on the party’s internal democratic processes, the former National Entrpreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) boss, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah revealed how personal ambitions were stifled by party elites in the Asante Akyem Central constituency, despite overwhelming grassroots support.
According to the aggrieved party member, the decision to run for the parliamentary seat was not a self-serving agenda but a direct response to a call to service by the local constituents.
“My Asante Akyem Central people loved my politics and approached me to come and serve them as MP,” he stated.
He added that “But my own party elders blocked me and supported the incumbent MP to cheat through the system as if I was an outsider.”
The unfair playing field he revealed led to a massive financial distress. The stalwart disclosed incurring massive debts across two consecutive primary election cycles, alongside other personal challenges.
Despite the systemic sabotage, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah noted that he remained loyal, continuously defending both the NPP party and the government’s policies at all levels.
“Seeing what’s going on in the current polling station elections in several constituencies, it seems not much has changed,” he warned.
“The victimization of those who want to challenge current or former MPs should stop,” he stated.
With the general elections approaching, he cautioned,”You don’t treat party people anyhow and expect unconditional unity for the general elections.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
