Sex worker assaulted over fee dispute in Sekondi

A commercial sex worker believed to be operating in Sekondi has been severely assaulted by a man who reportedly went to solicit her services.

The victim, a Nigerian national who gave her name as Nancy, told CONNECT FM’s Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson that the incident occurred on Friday night after the man approached her for her services. According to her account, the two agreed on a fee of 50 cedis for a short time and proceeded to the man’s house.

She said trouble started when she realised the man was extending the encounter beyond the agreed time. Nancy said she informed him that she was tired and could not continue, a move that reportedly angered the man.

She explained that the man then demanded a refund of the 50 cedis, a request she refused, insisting she had already provided the agreed service. The situation escalated further when the man allegedly demanded her mobile phone.

“He wanted to take the 50 cedis back but I told him I had satisfied him so I would not refund it. Then he demanded my mobile phone but I wouldn’t give to him either, and that was when he started assaulting me mercilessly,” she said.

Nancy said she was subjected to a severe beating following her refusal to comply with the man’s demands.

According to her, the matter has since been reported to the Sekondi Police. She said police officers issued her with a medical form to seek treatment at a hospital as part of the ongoing investigation.

The police are yet to officially comment on the case.

Cases of violence against sex workers are not uncommon, with many reporting assaults linked to disputes over payment, refusal to comply with additional demands, or attempts by clients to reclaim money after services have been rendered.

Such attacks often occur in private spaces, including clients’ homes or isolated areas, where victims are more vulnerable and lack immediate protection.

Sex workers are frequently assaulted through physical violence and the forceful seizure of personal belongings such as money or mobile phones.

Despite the frequency of such incidents, many sex workers are reluctant to report assaults to the police. Fear of harassment or discrimination, as well as concerns about being blamed or not taken seriously, often discourage them from seeking justice.

As a result, many cases go unreported, reinforcing a cycle of abuse and vulnerability within the community.