In certain parts of Ghana, child prostitution is primarily motivated by poverty, according to Otiko Afisah Djaba, Executive Director of the Henry Djaba Memorial Foundation.
During her tenure as Gender Minister, she claimed that traditional chiefs informed her that young girls were coerced into prostitution because of extreme poverty in their villages.
Speaking on JoyNews AM, Ms. Djaba disclosed that the youngsters are now selling themselves to support their family since they are impoverished.
“No child ought to be a parent. How come a ten-year-old has to earn the most money? Now that they are taking care of the parents, the girls are acting really obnoxious. Since the child is now responsible for paying the rent and the power bill, the parent is unable to chastise them when they get home very late from their outings. Because of the extreme poverty there, it takes place in the Central Region.
“If you look at Ghana, the most impoverished regions are the upper east, upper west, northern region, and central region, and they are also the regions with the highest rates of poverty. Thus, poverty is a major factor in prostitution, the speaker said.
In highlighting the profound effects of poverty on women and girls in Ghana, the previous Minister of Gender and Social Protection clarified that prostitution frequently turns into a “first resort” for individuals who are having financial difficulties.
She claims that prostitution is a major cause of poverty for both adults and children, with dire repercussions.
“You may contract STDs or become pregnant against your will as a result of the problems associated with them. One could be raped. We are all aware of the violence that results from prostitution, and it is completely abhorrent; but an older person is more conscious of these things than a child who feels helpless.
“Some parents even push their kids into prostitution, thinking that’s the only way to make ends meet. It’s like forcing your kid to go sell dog chains and doughnuts, and what not to mention.” Ms. Djaba asked questions.
In the face of poverty, the former gender minister highlighted the need of hard effort and personal responsibility.
Mrs. Djaba vehemently disagreed that prostitution is a legitimate solution to poverty, contending that despite the challenges Ghanaian women and girls confront, they should make an effort to lead fulfilling lives and put their dignity above the allure of rapid money.