In a recent operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking, the police in Koforidua, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, arrested 13 sex workers, comprising 12 Nigerian women and a Ghanaian woman.
Additionally, two suspects, a landlord and a bouncer involved in the illicit operations, were also detained.
The arrests were executed on Monday, February 10, 2026, following a complaint filed on Thursday, February 6, 2026, by a 30-year-old Nigerian sex worker named Stella Godwill, who resided at Nsukwao in Koforidua.
Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, the Municipal Police Commander, shared that Godwill reported that she had been trafficked from Nigeria to Ghana by her mistress, identified as Christabel Simon Monday, who is also a Nigerian.
The complainant disclosed that she was compelled to achieve a daily sales target of 400 Ghanaian cedis through her prostitution activities. On the day she reported the incident, Godwill claimed to have only managed to raise 250 Ghanaian cedis, which both her mistress and her boyfriend, Simon Kwarteng, allegedly rejected.
Moreover, Godwill accused the two individuals of physically assaulting her due to her failure to meet the expected target.
Following her report, law enforcement initiated investigations and proceeded to Dabiasem, a Koforidua suburb, where they apprehended Christabel Simon Monday.
Investigations revealed the existence of a brothel in Dabiasem, resulting in the arrest of an additional 12 individuals, all of whom were found with condoms during the police operation.
Superintendent Nsiah explained, "Last Sunday, we received a complaint from another Nigerian lady who reported that she was assaulted by her mistress, labeled a 'queen mother,' for not meeting the daily sales target of GH¢400 imposed by her mistress."
He further mentioned that another male suspect who constructed a house operating as a brothel was taken into custody. This individual charged the women GH¢25 daily for their accommodations.
Currently, approximately 15 individuals, whose ages range from 15 to 32 years, are in police custody and will be presented in court soon, facing charges of violating Sections 273, 274, and 277 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which prohibits prostitution, human trafficking, and the operation of brothels.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustine Kusi Asante, the Municipal Crime Officer, cautioned landlords against renting properties for illegal activities. He emphasized that landlords enabling such operations would face legal consequences under Section 277, which explicitly makes operating a brothel illegal.
ASP Asante urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Confirming that the suspects are currently in detention, Superintendent Nsiah stated that arrangements had been made for the protection of minors involved, with engagements underway with the Department of Social Welfare as investigations continue prior to the court proceedings.
The Municipal Crime Officer expressed alarm over the involvement of minors in sex work, some as young as 15, and called on the public to assist the police in gathering information to combat trafficking and aid vulnerable individuals.
As the investigation unfolds, police officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of affected individuals, especially minors, as legal actions are pursued.
Commercial sex work is considered illegal in Ghana under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, carrying penalties that include fines and imprisonment for engaging in prostitution, human trafficking, and operating brothels.
Sections 273, 274, and 277 of the Act specifically criminalize these activities, reflecting the ongoing issues of sex trafficking and the exploitation of minors in the Eastern Region, particularly Koforidua.
Previous investigations have revealed trafficking syndicates predominantly consisting of Ghanaians and Nigerians who lured young girls from Nigeria under promises of hospitality employment, only to coerce them into prostitution upon their arrival.
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