Commercial sex workers in Accra have increased prices for their services due to high costs in standard of living.
The sex workers have increased their charges to over 80 percent, according to a documentary aired by Joynews and monitored by Angelonline.com.gh.
A commercial sex worker, Becky, who plies her trade at Lapaz, revealed that, her initial charge for a short time service was GHC50, however due to the economic crisis making the cost of living very high, she had no option than to increase her charge from GHC50 to GHC150.
According Becky, she is able to make about GHC 800 to GHC 1000 a night. She said, some clients do not come quick and so if the customer is willing to pay more, there is always a way to ensure the person comes. She also revealed that, “ if you keep yourself well, you will get men who will pay you well.”
Another commercial sex worker named Vivian also gave an account that, she has been on the street for almost 3 years and charges around GHC200 for a time with a client.
According to her, business was booming during last December but it slowed in January, however, in spite of low turnout of customers, she is not willing to reduce her prices because everything is expensive.
“There is increase in goods lately, to pay my rent it will be difficult for me, because of that I have increased my price”. She added that, she buys food, clothes herself and pay her hotel bills every day, hence, she cannot reduce her price.
Vivian said, she is able to service about 4 men in a night.
A married woman who doubles as a commercial sex worker whose name was withheld disclosed that her work was stressful. She said, “what I for, I am married, I don’t have any other option than to do this”. My husband does not take care of me she added.
The married commercial sex worker also revealed that she has increased her charges from GHC60 to GHC 100 due to price hikes in the cost of living.
