Though it is thought to be the oldest profession in the world, it is also one of the most stigmatised and contentious, particularly in this region of the world where our religious leanings play a major role.

Since humans have learned to view the satisfaction of their sexual wants as crucial, the sexual activity itself may not always be the consuming issue; rather, it may be the transactional aspect that gives rise to issues.

In essence, prostitution is the trade of sexual services for cash or other rewards. Its ancient origins bring long-gone civilizations to light, including Mesopotamia, ancient China, and ancient Greece. The Bible's Joshua 2 also mentions Rahab, a prostitute who played a key role in the conquest of Canaan. Although prostitution is typically associated with moral decay, it has undoubtedly existed in a variety of forms throughout history.

I really believe that poverty, a dearth of economic prospects for women, and the persistent need for sex in a deeply patriarchal society are the reasons it persists. All major religions continue to have a negative view of prostitution. The two most prevalent religions in Ghana, Islam and Christianity, as well as our cultural and traditional customs, are opposed to prostitution. Koran 24:33 (Surah An-Nur (The Light), Ayah 33) makes this very plain. Among many other biblical passages, 1 Corinthians 6:15–16 and Leviticus 19:29 expressly condemn prostitution.

Interestingly, scratching the surface further reveals that during the Middle Ages, there were brothels purportedly controlled by the Vatican in which clerics patronised prostitutes to gratify their sexual desires. A few years ago, disclosures from an insider revealed Vatican-owned properties in Rome that included enterprises such as saunas and massage parlours where priests paid for sex with male and female prostitutes. Because of the sensitivity of the subject, it may be preferable to reverse the conversation.

Our nation is still facing economic difficulties as a result of the poor leadership we continue to provide for ourselves; this is a vicious circle. Though, as a nation, we are figuratively autonomous, we continue to rely on foreign assistance for survival. A prime example of a nation cursed by its resources. After introducing us to the religion we have shamelessly adopted at the expense of our African spirituality, some of the well-known Christian evangelists from the not-too-distant past have switched to legalising prostitution and have since been profiting from its attendant perks.

In the Netherlands, prostitution was legalised in 2000. Since then, the Dutch government has been able to control the sex business, enhance the working conditions for those who engage in it, and raise a substantial amount of tax money. According to estimates, the Netherlands' legal sex sector will increase the nation's GDP by more than $1 billion in 2021. It is believed that the sex business makes up between 0.4% and 0.5% of the GDP of the Netherlands.

Comparably, the German government receives an estimated $400 million in taxes from the sex industry annually, despite prostitution being illegal there since 2002. It is believed that the sex business makes up between 0.4% and 0.6% of Germany's GDP. In a nation that has recently experienced its own economic challenges, this revenue has been vital.

It is believed that the sex business contributes between 0.2% and 0.3% of New Zealand's GDP. Prostitution is also allowed in the country. It is estimated that the sex business in Switzerland contributes between 0.2% and 0.4% of the country's GDP.

One would have expected that, as a deeply religious nation—over 71% of Ghanaians identify as Christians and many more consider themselves to be "holier than the Pope"—we would never partake in the profits from prostitution, given that the Bible forbids it in Deuteronomy 23:17–18 and several other chapters.

However, Ghana has reaped significant benefits from legalised prostitution over time. We continue to get aid from countries that accumulate wealth through occupations such as prostitution. While we go to church to condemn the conduct, we are the direct beneficiaries. Isn't this just another layer of Ghanaian hypocrisy?

It may interest you to know that the Netherlands has offered major development assistance to Ghana during the last ten years. Between 2014 and 2023, the Dutch government provided roughly €120 million in official development aid (ODA) to Ghana, with an emphasis on improving governance, agriculture, and water and sanitation infrastructure. Germany has also been a big donor to Ghana, donating approximately €150 million in ODA between 2013 and 2022. Much of this investment has gone towards renewable energy initiatives, vocational training, and public financial management.

Since 2015, New Zealand has given approximately NZ$15 million (€9 million) to efforts in education, agriculture, and climate change adaptation. Over the last decade, Switzerland has supplied Ghana with around CHF30 million (€30 million) in development aid. The areas of attention have included health, skill development, and private sector engagement.

Unfortunately, our society's good ideals have disappeared. As we have grown into a culture in which gaining money, by all means, is the governing principle, we may simply have to legalise prostitution because we are already reaping the benefits. Our ladies seek monetary and other sorts of recompense for sex. Money has become a powerful lure for our male and female teenagers, who are rocked by societal demands and monetary value expectations. They are confronted with unemployment and economic troubles, and many have already turned to male and female prostitution. Prostitution has been rebranded as "hook up," and it is actively promoted, patronised, and participated in by married people, single people, students, politicians, religious leaders, and policymakers in a discreet manner.

The profession of prostitution has grown in popularity due to the migration of foreigners, particularly Nigerians, across our porous borders. Both intentionally and unknowingly, the majority of us engage in this behaviour. Everybody places value on their relationships, sex, and love. Relationships and love have become increasingly transactional. Either money or other forms of compensation are used for it. Perhaps it's time to simply legalise prostitution in order to regularise it and reap the benefits immediately, or maybe it's time to take a cue from the nations that provide the majority of our help.

Ultimately, the legalization of prostitution has important social benefits. Aside from the European countries we receive aid from, we may learn some lessons from Senegal. When sex work is decriminalized, sex workers may be able to access healthcare, social services, and legal protections that were previously unavailable to them. It will help the country in its fight against HIV and AIDS, for instance. It will also help to reduce the stigma associated with sex work and empower workers to advocate for their rights and safety.

Legalization also gives the government additional power to control the sector and combat human trafficking and exploitation. These illicit operations frequently flourish in the shadows in nations where prostitution is still prohibited. However, if prostitution is made public, it will be considerably simpler for law enforcement to locate and support victims of human trafficking.

It will strengthen efforts to prevent the commercial operation (exploitation) of forced prostitution, safeguard children from sexual abuse, defend the status of prostitutes, and stop illegal prostitution-related activities. It will also lessen the number of foreign nationals engaging in prostitution without the necessary residency and employment permits.

Naturally, legalising prostitution is a delicate and complicated topic, and it's critical to take into account the objections of people who are against it. However, given the possible social and economic advantages, Ghana needs to give careful thought to following other nations' lead and legalising and regulating the sex industry. This is a strategy that has the potential to enhance the lives of some of the nation's most vulnerable citizens and boost the nation's economy.

Is it not already an open secret that our unemployed youth have plunged into prostitution to survive?