They argue that prostitution is the oldest profession in the world because it is as old as the hills. When and how did prostitution become prevalent among university students? Over time, the term prostitution or commercial sex work has been replaced by the terms hookups or slay queens. Despite the fact that unlawful conduct is a crime in Ghana, some students find ways to engage in it for various reasons. Students engage in commercial sex labor for financial, material, and emotional rewards, according to a brief research done on select university campuses.
Various ways have been developed by student sex workers to integrate academic work and sex work Student sex workers find potential clients by hanging around in pubs and nightclubs near university campuses at night and/or by posting their contact information on their different social media accounts. Some student prostitutes transform their dormitory rooms into brothels. The setting, duration, perceived safety of the sexual act by the sex workers, customers' preferences for styles, and positions utilized for sex all influence the price negotiation.
Under the condition of anonymity, a level 400 student at the University of Ghana stated that she engages in the act to pay her fees and to keep up with her increasing financial load. According to her, she is unconcerned that the country's laws prohibit prostitution so long as she is able to provide for herself.
"Did prostitution begin in the Bible [in ancient times and as recounted in the Bible] or do you not know? What does this have to do with me? As long as I conceal my identity, nobody will recognize my sister... I must do what I must to survive; financial pressure is severe, and [prostitution] is my only alternative."
Act 29 of the Criminal code of 1960, sections 273-279, makes prostitution a specified offense. Persons Engaging in the Business of Prostitution:
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(1) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he or she (a) knowingly subsists wholly or partially on the earnings of prostitution; or (b) is proven to have, for the purposes of gain, exercised control, direction, or influence over the movements of a prostitute in such a way as to aid, abet, or compel prostitution with any person or generally.
"Oh, truthfully, I was destitute since I was in my final year as an undergraduate student at the University of Ghana, and all of my high school friends who attended different institutions had graduated and were doing well, so I wanted to utilize whatever means available to obtain money.
"I am currently enrolled in a master's degree at GIMPA and am able to afford my studies because to this sugar momma... Therefore, I must stop! You barb?" A male student at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration who identified himself as Johnny stated.
Obiora, a Nigerian student at the University of Ghana, remarked, "Shebi, are you aware that I am Nigerian? Eheh! My friend informs me that work is done... Wey I am able to earn money, so I will also follow her. But the truth is that she did not tell me that na olosho oh, and I only found out later. Nevertheless, shaa edey is okay, so I'll have to do it as money is not enough for a house. My mother is ill and my father is a scumbag, so you should now understand."
Even though prostitution is supposedly a gold mine that students are exploiting, there are risks involved. Some are assaulted, others contract sexually transmitted diseases, and others, after donating their bodies, are threatened and not compensated.
Additionally, Johnny added, "This is humorous, but...my client's husband almost caught me. We were resting when we heard the doorbell ring, followed by a call from the husband. The woman was unaware that her husband was coming home, so she was surprised when he called.
"I vividly recall the words 'darling, please open the door, I'm home and I wanted to surprise you,'" You should have seen how fast my heart was beating haha, but I managed to escape."
Exists an escape route?
Until the unemployment problem is resolved, prostitution, especially among students, will continue to rise. Realistically, we all know that it cannot be fully eradicated but there are a few things that can help curb the menace. Recent statistics by the National STIs and HIV/AIDS Control Programme revealed a total of 23,495 people in Ghana tested positive for HIV in the first half of this year (January to June).
The figure is two per cent of the 948,094 people who undertook HIV testing from January to June 2022. The majority of newly afflicted people were teenagers. This indicates that action must be taken immediately to combat student prostitution. Parents must be interested and more responsible in the lifestyles and upkeep of their children in universities than allowing students to fend for themselves. This one may sound exhausting but I believe students can apply for evening or weekend jobs. Students must not also look for the easy way out but rather look out for the weekend and paid part-time jobs to help them meet their financial demands. Students who intend to make money can also enrol in skill training programmes such as soap making, wig making, and dressmaking which can provide an avenue to establish a business after school.
