President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent legislative action to criminalise the growing practice of “sex-for-jobs,” describing it as a disturbing abuse of power that undermines merit, dignity, and fairness in the workplace.
Speaking on the issue, President Mahama expressed concern that some individuals in positions of authority continue to exploit job seekers—particularly young women—by demanding sexual favours in exchange for employment opportunities or career advancement. He said such conduct not only violates human rights but also erodes public confidence in recruitment systems across both the public and private sectors.
He stressed that Ghana must take a firmer stance against all forms of workplace exploitation, urging Parliament to consider a clear legal framework that defines and punishes perpetrators of sex-for-jobs practices. According to him, existing laws are not strong enough to specifically address the misconduct, leaving victims vulnerable and often without justice.
The President further emphasized the need for institutions to strengthen internal reporting mechanisms and protect whistleblowers who expose abuse. He noted that fear of retaliation and stigma continues to silence many victims, allowing the practice to persist unchecked.
Civil society groups and gender rights advocates have long raised concerns about sexual exploitation in employment processes, calling for stricter enforcement and policy reforms. Mahama’s comments are expected to reignite national debate on workplace ethics, accountability, and gender protection laws.
He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting equal opportunity and safeguarding the dignity of all workers, insisting that access to jobs must be based strictly on competence and merit, not coercion or abuse.
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