The Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Richard Owusu-Boadi, has opened up about the personal risks he faced after announcing a campaign to curb prostitution in the Garden City.
In a viral interview with Kwadwo Marfo on Kumasi-based Fakye TV, the Mayor revealed that his pronouncement triggered a wave of hostility from local “boys” (male groups) who were ready to defend the trade.
Despite his reputation for being a “strong man” who follows through on his word, the Mayor admitted the reaction was more intense than he anticipated.
”Look, you have no idea what the boys planned against me after making that pronouncement,” he told the host.
“I haven’t been ‘hot’ like this before. I know I am a strong man who walks the talk, but I was humbled.”
While sex work remains illegal in Ghana, efforts by successive governments to eradicate the industry have largely proven futile.
The Asafo (Asafo BB) area remains the primary, well-known epicenter for sex work in Kumasi, characterized by wooden shacks and makeshift brothels.
The workforce is a mix of foreign nationals and local migrants, particularly from the Bono and Ahafo regions.
Alarming reports indicate that some individuals working in these hubs are under the age of 18.
The persistence of the trade has directly impacted the region’s health statistics, particularly regarding the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
The Mayor’s experience highlights the complex social and economic layers that make policing the industry in Kumasi a dangerous and difficult task.
By 1960news.com
