‘Sex-for-rent’ scandal rocks Ashaiman

A disturbing trend is unfolding in Ashaiman, where some landlords are allegedly demanding sexual favours from female tenants in lieu of rent payments, according to a new report by the Ashaiman Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre.

The findings paint a troubling picture of exploitation within the rental market, particularly affecting vulnerable women searching for accommodation.

The report reveals that, in certain instances, landlords allegedly entered into informal arrangements with female tenants, accepting sex instead of rent for specified periods. Even more alarming are cases involving caretakers — individuals who do not legally own the properties — who reportedly preyed on women desperate for rooms.

One case detailed in the report involved a caretaker who rented out a room to a woman while the property owner was away. After her initial two-year tenancy expired, the caretaker allegedly began a sexual relationship with her and verbally extended her stay by an additional year. The arrangement was reportedly extended again while the relationship continued.

Complications arose when the woman became pregnant by another man. Following the breakdown of the relationship, the caretaker ordered her to vacate the premises. She resisted, insisting there had been a prior agreement allowing her to remain for two more years.

The matter was referred to mediators. During proceedings, the caretaker admitted he was not the property owner and explained that the landlord had instructed him to reclaim the room. The ADR Centre facilitated a settlement, leading to the woman’s relocation after she received compensation from the caretaker.

In another separate incident cited in the report, a landlord reportedly evicted a male tenant after discovering him in a sexual relationship with his wife.

Beyond these cases, the Centre noted that the majority of disputes it handled were rooted in economic hardship, including rent arrears, unilateral rent increases, and job losses. Other recurring conflicts involved breaches of tenancy agreements, such as keeping pets or accommodating unauthorised visitors.

The Ashaiman ADR Centre is urging both landlords and tenants to respect tenancy laws and seek lawful avenues for resolving disputes, warning that exploitation and self-help evictions undermine community stability and legal order.