[5][6] High rates of unemployment and poverty in Ghana are believed to be causing a drastic growth in the sex industry.
They are initiated and confirmed for the conduct of this work by their Kabaseros or headmen in the presence of a large crowd of people, in the following manner.
First they place these whores, who are certain purchased slaves, with many foolish and ridiculous ceremonies upon a straw mat and display them.
Then one of the oldest among them, standing up, takes a young hen, opens its beak with a knife and lets a few drops of blood drip on her head, shoulders and arms.
shall die unless she accept as lover for three of four kakraven (worth two or three stuivers), notwithstanding the applicants be of rich means; and this without excluding their own blood relatives.
Everything she gains in this way she must hand to the Kabasero, and in return she enjoys the liberty of being allowed to take any food, whether it stands in someone's house or in the market, for her sustenance, and nobody may prevent her from doing so, upon a fixed penalty.
Then her companion, namely the other Abrakree or whore, takes her home; she is washed, and a clean bed-sheet is wrapped around her.
Finally this Abrakree is put on a stool and carried by two young men on their shoulders; they run into the village with much cheering by those following them, and they greatly enjoy themselves dancing and drinking palm or bordon wine.
On eight consecutive days thereafter she goes to sit at her appointed place, where all passers-by must give her two or three kakraven...Professor of history Akyeampong, states that the abrakree served as a public service rather than an institution to acquire wealth though sex work.
He comments in addition, that the states of Komenda, Elmina, Fetu, Asebu and possibly the Fante "have none of these whores."
Jean Gadot published an account on the abrakree in 1704 following his visit to Assini, west of Axim in Ivory Coast around 1701.
He wrote that the King of Assini maintained six women in all villages and towns to provide services to bachelors.
In the early 18th century, Bosman wrote of the women in Elmina, Fetu, Asebu and probably the Fante, who engaged in sexual activities in exchange for negotiated price.
No Ashantee forces his daughter to become the wife of the man he wishes, but he instantly disclaims her support and protection on her refusal, and would persecute the mother if she afforded it; thus abandoned, they would have no resource but prostitution.The prevalence of male prostitution in Ghana has slowly risen over the years but not much is said about it because of the form it takes.
[3] In a 2007 survey of 251 law enforcement agents, 15% admitted they had demanded sex in return for not prosecuting arrested prostitutes.
[44] Women and girls from China, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso are also trafficked into Ghana for prostitution.