Corruption crusaders have expressed worry about the increasing trend of sextortion and discriminatory corruption, especially in public institutions.

According to the Head of Finance at Transparency International Ghana, Benedict Doh, incidents of sextortion and discriminatory corruption, have led to a loss of trust in public institutions and personnel.

He lamented the development training in Ho for subnational Civil Society Organizations and the media on corruption and its dimensions.

“There is evidence that has been shown in research conducted by CHRAG and the Ghana Statistical Service 2022 where 3.39% of the respondents indicated that in trying to access public services, public officials demanded sex in the form of bribery before services were rendered."

“This indicates clearly that it is an issue that society must be aware of, and necessary steps must be taken to address it as much as possible”, he said.

He explained that there is no direct law labeling sextortion as an offense, adding that once it has been identified as a means of favor request in return for public services, it then “becomes an abuse of office”.

Mr Doh, therefore, encouraged stakeholders to deepen public discourse around sextortion and advocate for laws or frameworks that bind public officers from requesting sexual favors from female clients in exchange for services, and ensure those found culpable are dealt with.