The group alleges that these applications are being used by foreigners to expand commercial sex
An advocacy group known as Apex Citizens has called on Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, to take immediate action against “hookup apps.”
The group alleges that these applications are being used by foreigners to expand the commercial sex trade within the country.
Peter Donkor, the group’s Public Relations Officer, stated that the influx of foreigners has not only affected local retail activities but has also led to a significant increase in prostitution.
He lamented that many of these foreigners are engaged in commercial sex work through these apps and urged authorities to act immediately.
Appearing on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline, Donkor directly appealed to the Ministry of Communications to address the issue.
“These hookups are dangerous,” he said.
“They are being used to expand the sex trade in Ghana, especially by foreigners living here illegally.”
He claimed that the apps are a major factor contributing to a surge in new HIV infections and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“The use of technology has increased prostitution,” he asserted.
“The level of prostitution through these hookup apps is alarming and scarier than street prostitution.”
Donkor also called on landlords to be more vigilant and conduct thorough investigations before renting apartments to foreigners, many of whom he alleged are undocumented and engaging in criminal activities while living in Ghana.
“We cannot allow foreigners to destroy our country. Other countries have allowed foreigners to destroy theirs, but as Ghanaians, we cannot allow that to happen. While our focus is not only on Nigerians, they are the majority of foreigners here in Ghana,” he told host Kwabena Agyapong.
Carlos Akowah, the group’s Assistant Public Relations Officer, who accompanied M Donkor, added that foreigners who wish to reside in Ghana must follow established legal processes and obtain the necessary documentation.
He also reiterated that foreigners are restricted to wholesale trade and are not permitted to engage in retail activities.
“Take a look at the arrests of suspected criminals paraded on TV and in the media and check the names. How many Ghanaians are involved in these crimes? The majority of them are foreigners.
“They engage in robbery, kidnapping, scamming and killing residents. We are appealing to the Ghana Immigration Service to take immediate action and deport all undocumented foreigners,” he stated.
