Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga has raised the alarm over what he described as a troubling rise in commercial sex activity and substance abuse in Bolgatanga, calling on security agencies, religious leaders and communities to act before the situation deteriorates further.
Atanga made the remarks on Friday during the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Bolgatanga, noting that while the occasion was one of joy and spiritual renewal, it was equally important to confront the social challenges emerging in the region. He described the growing incidence of commercial sex work and drug use as a significant moral decadence that posed a serious threat to the wellbeing and future of the youth.
“As we celebrate, we must remain mindful of emerging social challenges within our communities,” Atanga told the gathering. “The rising moral decadence, particularly the growing incidence of commercial sex activity in the regional capital as well as substance abuse, poses a serious threat to the well-being and future of our youth.”
He called for intensified efforts by security agencies, religious leaders and the broader community to curb the situation before it escalates further.
The minister’s remarks reflect growing concern among residents and local leaders about visible changes in social behaviour in Bolgatanga, a city that has historically not been associated with an open commercial sex trade. Residents in some district capitals beyond the regional centre have similarly noted an increase in the number of sex workers operating in their communities in recent years.
Atanga, who was appointed to the regional ministerial role under the current administration, has previously engaged security agencies on public order and safety issues in the Upper East Region, including meeting with police commanders over market security concerns in Bolgatanga earlier this year.
