The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Monday began investigations into a syndicate of "social clubs" in schools that invite suspected paedophiles from Britain into the country and lure unsuspecting male students to have sex with them.

The CID said operators of the clubs, which have the son of an official as a member, then blackmail these foreigners for a fee of at least 4,000 pounds sterling else they would report them to the Police.

The Ghana News Agency reports a reliable source as saying that these clubs operate by advertising in foreign magazines for pen pals with these paedophiles - people sexually attracted to children. The source said since the authorities did not know these persons they enjoyed free movement and posed real danger.

An advertisement page of "Boyz Magazine", a gay magazine, obtained by the GNA from sources in London shows Ghanaian boys living in Ghana advertising to become partners with these paedophiles in London. They sometimes have their pictures on those pages.

For instance, one such advertisement read: "24 year-old Ghanaian looking for black or white man, loves movies, hot correspondence and basketball Box BC66416".

Another one reads: "Nice, beautiful black African Ghanaian guy willing to correspond with men for friendship and possible meet. I am 30 and a driver. Box BC66314." Another also reads: "Ghanaian, 22 likes the scene, pubs and clubs, hot sex. WLTM, a reliable person for friendship. Box BC66452."

Yet another one reads: "Attractive, hot Ghanaian boy, looking for a partner to share deep love. I enjoy hot photos, letters, travelling, dancing and much more. ALA. Box BC66561."

The source noted that some children might be corrupted by coming into contact with these paedophiles, since the blackmailers would need some kind of evidence to hold against these men. "There is also the real danger that some children may be forced to have sex with these men, who would be prepared to pay large amounts of money for this."

Mrs Gifty Anin-Botwe, Deputy Director CID, confirmed that the Police were investigating the matter and warned Ghanaians against advertising in foreign media specifically targeting paedophiles.