Mass Arrests in Koforidua: Nigerian and Ghanaian Women Detained in Prostitution and Human Trafficking Crackdown

In a significant law enforcement operation in Koforidua, Eastern Region of Ghana, authorities apprehended 13 commercial sex workers, comprising 12 Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian woman. This crackdown targeted illegal prostitution rings and human trafficking networks operating within the area.

Additional Arrests: Landlord and Security Personnel Involved

Alongside the sex workers, police detained two other individuals—a landlord and a bouncer—who were implicated in facilitating the illicit activities. The landlord reportedly rented out premises used as a brothel, charging the occupants a daily fee of 25 Ghana cedis.

Background of the Investigation

The New Juaben South Municipal Police Command initiated the arrests on Monday, February 10, 2026, following a formal complaint filed on February 6 by Stella Godwill, a 30-year-old Nigerian commercial sex worker residing in Nsukwao, Koforidua. Godwill alleged that she was trafficked from Nigeria to Ghana by her alleged handler, Christabel Simon Monday, also Nigerian, who coerced her into prostitution.

Forced Quotas and Abuse

According to Godwill, she was compelled to meet a daily earning target of 400 Ghana cedis through sex work. On the day of the complaint, she managed to collect only 250 Ghana cedis, which her handler and the handler’s boyfriend, Simon Kwarteng, rejected. The complainant further reported being physically assaulted by the two for failing to meet the quota.

Police Operation and Brothel Discovery

Following the complaint, police investigations led them to Dabiasem, a suburb of New Juaben, where Christabel Simon Monday was arrested. The operation uncovered a brothel in the area, resulting in the detention of 12 additional suspects. Condoms were reportedly found on the individuals during the raid, indicating active commercial sex work.

Statements from Law Enforcement

Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, Municipal Police Commander, revealed that the police had received multiple complaints about similar abuses, including assaults by so-called “queen mothers” who enforce strict daily financial targets on sex workers. He emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the ongoing efforts to dismantle such networks.

Legal Implications and Charges

The suspects, ranging in age from 15 to 31 years, face charges under Sections 273, 274, and 277 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). These sections criminalize prostitution, human trafficking, and the operation of brothels, respectively. The involvement of minors, some as young as 15, has raised additional concerns among authorities.

Warnings to Property Owners

Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Kusi Asante, Municipal Crime Officer, cautioned landlords against leasing properties for illegal activities such as brothels. He stressed that those found complicit would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and urged the public to report suspicious behavior promptly.

Protection and Support for Victims

Superintendent Nsiah confirmed that the detained individuals are currently in police custody, with minors separated to ensure their safety. Coordination with the Department of Social Welfare is underway to provide necessary support and protection. Investigations continue as authorities prepare to bring the suspects before the courts.

Community Appeal

Law enforcement officials have appealed to the public to assist in combating human trafficking and exploitation by sharing information that could lead to the arrest of traffickers and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.

Context: Rising Concerns Over Sex Trafficking in Eastern Ghana

These arrests come amid growing alarm over sex trafficking and commercial sex exploitation in the Eastern Region, particularly in Koforidua. Previous investigations have exposed trafficking rings involving both Ghanaian and Nigerian perpetrators who lure young women under false pretenses of legitimate employment, only to coerce them into prostitution upon arrival.

Legal Framework Governing Prostitution and Trafficking in Ghana

Under Ghanaian law, commercial sex work is illegal. The Criminal Offences Act, 1960, explicitly prohibits prostitution (Section 273), human trafficking (Section 274), and the operation of brothels (Section 277). Violations can result in substantial fines and imprisonment. The recent arrests underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing these laws and protecting vulnerable populations.