Women MPs call for demolition of "Ashawo" Bar

Accra, June 18, GNA-The Parliamentary Caucus on Population has asked Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to initiate actions to demolish without any further delay Soldier Bar, a notable brothel and hostelry for child prostitutes at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.

The Caucus took the Assembly to task over its delay in the demolition of the structure, which it visited last February following media exposure of the despicable practice of child prostitution in that wooden structure behind the former Lido Night Club at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

As a result of that exposure, the Caucus undertook a visit to the Soldier Bar to have a first hand knowledge on what was happening at the place and formulate appropriate policies to address the problem of child prostitution which is on the ascendancy.

Following a statement by Ms. Theresa Tagoe, MP Ablekuma South, contributions from members condemned the despicable act of child prostitution and invited all hands on board to nip the horrendous practice in the bud.

Ms. Tagoe told the House: "the place operates as lorry-park and a brothel. A tour of the place revealed that it had 12 cubicles, mattresses, but no windows. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 often patronize the place at night and sometimes wit the assistance of pimps.

"The Caucus noted that a practice fee of GH¢3 was charged for a duration of three minutes and one could attend to as many as 20 men at night.

"Each prostitute was required to pay GH¢2 to the proprietor and the rest of the money kept to herself."

Before the time of the visit, the AMA had earmarked the place for demolition, and the Caucus wondered why the AMA had still not taken action on the structure.

"It would be appreciated if the Executive would initiate appropriate actions through its relevant agencies to have the structure demolished," Ms Tagoe said.

She attributed the rise in child prostitution to the proliferation of lewd scenes on the movies and newspapers, negative adult influence who lured children into sex for money, with the resultant health risks, contraction of sexually transmitted infections.

"Perhaps all the noble efforts to mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDS would be a mirage if this practice is not stopped.

"This is because most of the children, who are found in this practice, constitute part of those Ghana AIDS Commission describes as 'Window of Hope'"

Ms Christine Churcher (NPP-Cape Coast) poignantly bemoaned the lack of parental love and show of care and concern that led to the practice of child prostitution.

Describing child prostitution as human rights issue, Ms. Churcher implored parents to express love to their children to prevent them from falling in evil arms of men who pretend to love only to end up abusing young females.

Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh (NDC-Wa West) commended the media for exposing the "devilish practice." 17 June 08