Prostitutes Are �Hot�

Weekend Finder�s investigations have revealed that prostitutes in the Brong Ahafo Regional capital, Sunyani, have been hard hit by the economic crunch to the extent that they have reduced their charges to enable them remain in business. The undercover investigations indicate that prostitution is booming in the Sunyani Municipality, especially at Peace Guest House, located at a place called Area 3 in Sunyani. Following Weekend Finder�s investigations, the Ghana Tourist Authority (GTA) in the region has closed down Peace Guest House. According to the prostitutes, men have deserted them with the explanation that the economic crunch has greatly affected their purchasing power and so they can no longer pay the usual charges for the services of prostitutes. The prostitutes told Weekend Finder that they had to reduce their charge from the GHC50 for short time to GHC20, representing a 60% reduction, to remain in business. The price for all-night service ranges from GHC50 to GHC100 depending on the bargaining power of the client. One of the prostitutes, who only gave her name as Ama, said that they charge their customers GHC20 for a short time. Out of this amount, the prostitutes pay GHC5 to Peace Guest House for a room. Amanda, a Cameroonian prostitute based in Sunyani, said business used to be good but the tide has changed in recent times. Barbara from Berekum said she makes an average of GHC100 a night. Ladies of different ages, including teenagers are engaged in this illegal trade. The prostitutes are always lurking around the drinking spot of Peace Guest House waiting for their customers. After bargaining with their customers and settling on an amount, the prostitutes collect the money and pay GHC5 from it to the receptionist before they move to the room to have bouts of sex. Weekend Finder�s investigations revealed that Peace Guest House has designated rooms 7 and 8 for prostitutes, as patrons form long queues for their turn. Though the prostitutes work throughout the week, Fridays and Saturdays are said to be their busy days. Their business starts from 9am, with men of different ages patronising the services of these prostitutes.