A police operation in the Upper Denkyira West District has uncovered a major human trafficking and exploitation ring, leading to the arrest of 39 individuals on charges linked to prostitution and drug offences.
The raid, carried out by the Central North Regional Police Command at Nipanekro near Subin, followed a tip-off and revealed disturbing abuses described as modern-day slavery.
According to the police, 33 of those arrested are young Nigerian women between the ages of 16 and 25 who were allegedly forced into prostitution. They have since been reclassified as victims rather than suspects and will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for repatriation to Nigeria.
Six men, also arrested in the operation, are suspected of playing roles in the drug trade and remain in custody pending further investigation.
Briefing the media, Regional Police Commander ACP Abraham Acquaye said the victims endured severe abuse under the control of a woman identified as “Mama Rich.” The young women recounted being forced to meet strict daily revenue targets, with failure attracting shocking punishments.
Some alleged they were made to consume human waste as punishment and were subjected to spiritual rituals, including swearing naked at a shrine, to prevent them from escaping. Police estimates suggest each victim was coerced into having sex with up to 20 men daily to meet financial quotas ranging from GH¢500 to GH¢1,000.
The operation has been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking, shedding light on the brutal methods used to exploit vulnerable individuals.
