Sex tourism booms in Ghana as escort agencies rake in profits

Ghana is fast gaining notoriety in international circles as a popular destination for sex tourism and its related activities. Sex tourism is common place in the western world but Ghana seems to be pacing to catch up with the west, as the country is at a faster rate becoming a safe haven for this “new kind of tourism.”

Painstaking investigation by The Independent has revealed that many expatriates are flocking into Ghana to release their libido on women living in the country in exchange for few dollars. These activities sometimes happen in openly in many places across the country.

These tourists many of whom are suspected to have come from Netherlands, Germany and other Western countries, use money as a bait to lure the ladies. Investigation by The Independent has discovered that Ghanaian girls as young as thirteen are falling prey to these sex tourists at alarming rate.

It is quite difficult to get information on this business, but The Independent have found that not only is the 'business' booming, it is also going 'high-tech'. Websites have been designed to facilitate these activities and those who visit the websites are served with the latest information on stratagems to deploy to pounce on Ghanaian girls. They are also served with information on popular pubs, night clubs and hotels that can offer them the best environment to satisfy the cravens of their bodies. On days they are not able to visit the internet, these foreigners converge to discuss the how, where and when of their tourist escapades.

The Independent investigation has discovered that the ladies who engage in sex tourism succumb to the expatriates not only for money but also to prove the strength and the excitement of Ghanaian girls, just like any other tourist site adds to the country's image and economy.

The Escort Agencies
Another worrying trend is the emergence of escort agencies whose chief purpose is to act as intermediaries in supplying the girls for sex tourism. Some of these agencies, which openly advertise their services on the internet, charge as much as $250 an hour and an additional fee of $100 for any extra hour. For a 24-hour service, the agency can charge $1500 but leaves room for bargaining.

The Independent's investigative reporter went undercover to expose the activities of these escorts' agencies under the guise of securing sexual services of an expatriate client wanting to engage in sex tourism.

When the reporter spoke with a man who identified himself as “Jerome”, the latter claimed to work as a receptionist for one of these agencies offered to help him (the supposed client). Jerome said his escort agency normally worked with women between the ages of 23 and 28.

Jerome said the charges under his care were available to accompany clients to attend occasions like dinners and tours. While in the company of the client, the women would be ready for any advances by him (the supposed client), anywhere, anytime.

In a bid to give the supposed client variety, Jerome disclosed that most of the girls were Ghanaians, Afro Americans and some nationals from neighboring African and West African countries. According to Jerome, the girls in his charge responded only to outcalls, meaning they would meet clients at the hotels, bars and other locations of choice.

He added that his clients were “very well educated, clean, polite and very eager to please.”

The Independent also discovered that some of the girls take the pain to publicise their services on blogs, websites, facebook and other social media. Daring as they are, the girls post their phone numbers and places where they could be located for 'service'.

Sex tourism is fast gaining root on the blind side of stakeholders in-charge of tourism in the country. With the fast growth of this business, Ghana is expected to rank among the 'hotspots' for this activity.