“To be or not To be?” Reasons for Engaging in Commercial Sex Work in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

The practice of commercial sex work exists in many parts of Ghana. However, research is scanty on its nature and its associated activities. This study was designed to examine the reasons why commercial sex workers in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana choose to venture into the sex business. Using a nested concurrent mixed method design, a sample of 364 participants (356 commercial sex workers and eight key persons) were reached for the study. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used to collect data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. The study found that most of the respondents ventured into the practice due to the socio-economic challenges confronting them and the need to make money to resolve those challenges. The study concluded that the commercial sex business in the study area is a thriving one because it is a business which does not demand any technical know-how or specialized skills and competencies to get engaged in. Furthermore, institutionalized systems and mechanisms, particularly enforcement of laws and regulations banning the practice were found to be woefully inadequate. The study recommended that key stakeholder institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, and Oguaa Traditional Council jointly formulate and operationalize interventional schemes and educational programmes to help effectively mitigate the practice.