Major Prostitution and Human Trafficking Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests in Ghana
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command in Ghana has arrested 13 individuals, including 12 Nigerian women and one Ghanaian woman, for alleged involvement in prostitution and human trafficking. The operation, which took place in Koforidua, Eastern Region, also resulted in the detention of two additional suspects: a landlord and a bouncer accused of facilitating these unlawful operations.
Complaint Triggers Police Investigation
The arrests stemmed from a formal complaint lodged on Thursday, February 6, 2026, by Stella Godwill, a 30-year-old Nigerian national and commercial sex worker residing at Nsukwao in Koforidua. According to Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, the Municipal Police Commander, Godwill reported that she had been trafficked from Nigeria to Ghana by her alleged mistress, Christabel Simon Monday, also a Nigerian national, for the purpose of prostitution.
Godwill informed authorities that she was forced to meet a daily sales target of 400 Ghana cedis from her prostitution activities. On the day of the incident, she managed to raise only 250 Ghana cedis, which her mistress and the mistress's boyfriend, Simon Kwarteng, allegedly refused to accept. The complainant further alleged that she was physically assaulted by the two suspects due to her failure to meet the financial target.
Police Raid Uncovers Brothel and Additional Suspects
Following the complaint, police launched an investigation and proceeded to Dabiasem, a suburb of New Juaben, where they arrested the primary suspect, Christabel Simon Monday. During the operation, authorities discovered a brothel operating in the area, leading to the arrest of 12 other suspects. Police reported that condoms were found on the individuals during the raid.
Superintendent Nsiah provided further details, stating, "Last Sunday, we received a complaint from another Nigerian lady that she had been assaulted by her mistress, whom we normally call a 'queen mother.' The assault happened because she could not meet the daily target of GH¢400 set by the queen mother."
He added, "We also arrested another man who had constructed a house and turned it into a brothel where the women are staying. He collects GH¢25 per day from them. So far, about 15 persons, the youngest aged between 15 and 32 years, are in police custody and will be put before the court immediately."
Legal Violations and Police Warnings
The suspects, aged 15 to 31, are believed to have violated Sections 273, 274, and 277 of Ghana's Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which prohibit prostitution, human trafficking, and operating brothels. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustine Kusi Asante, the Municipal Crime Officer, issued a stern warning to landlords against renting out properties for such illegal activities.
ASP Asante emphasized, "Section 277 frowns on operating a brothel and landlords who facilitate such activities will face the full rigours of the law," urging the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Concerns Over Minors and Ongoing Investigations
Superintendent Nsiah confirmed that all suspects are currently in police custody, with the minor involved being separated for protection. Arrangements are being made with the Department of Social Welfare, and investigations are ongoing before the suspects are arraigned in court.
The Municipal Crime Officer expressed deep concern about the involvement of minors, some as young as 15, in commercial sex work. He appealed to the public to support police efforts by providing information that could lead to the arrest of traffickers and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Police have stated that investigations are continuing, with steps being taken to ensure that affected persons, particularly minors, are safeguarded as the legal process moves forward.
Background on Ghana's Legal Framework
Commercial sex work remains illegal in Ghana under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, with penalties including fines and imprisonment for individuals involved in prostitution, human trafficking, and operating brothels. Specifically:
- Section 273 of the Act criminalizes prostitution.
- Section 274 addresses human trafficking.
- Section 277 prohibits the operation of brothels.
These arrests occur amid growing concerns about sex trafficking and commercial sex activities involving minors in the Eastern Region, particularly in Koforidua. Previous investigations have uncovered sex trafficking cartels, often involving Ghanaians and Nigerians, who trafficked young girls from Nigeria to Koforidua under the false pretense of employment in the hospitality industry, only to force them into prostitution upon arrival.
