A major police operation in the Upper Denkyira West District has uncovered a disturbing human trafficking and exploitation network, resulting in the arrest of 39 individuals linked to prostitution and drug-related offences.
The Central North Regional Police Command, acting on intelligence, stormed a location at Nipanekro near Subin, exposing what authorities describe as a highly organized system of modern-day slavery.
Among those arrested were 33 young Nigerian women, aged between 16 and 25, who police say were trafficked and forced into prostitution under harrowing conditions.
The remaining six suspects, all men, are believed to have been involved in drug trafficking operations that supported the ring.
Central North Regional Police Commander, ACP Abraham Acquaye, confirmed that the 33 women are now being treated as victims rather than suspects.
He explained that the victims will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for repatriation to Nigeria.
Reports by Accra-based FM disclosed that, some of the victims recounted the extreme abuse they suffered at the hands of their alleged ringleader, a woman identified as ‘Mama Rich.’
According to the victims, they were forced to meet strict daily cash targets—GH¢1,000 on Mondays and GH¢500 on other days from sex trade.
Failure to meet these quotas came with cruel punishments, including reports that “Mama Rich” compelled them to ingest human waste.
The women further revealed that they were subjected to ritual oaths, made to swear naked at a shrine, and threatened with madness should they attempt to escape.
Police investigations suggest that each sex trade victim was coerced into sleeping with up to 20 men daily.
The six male suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Police believe they played critical roles in sustaining the operation through alleged drug dealings.
Authorities say the case highlights the brutality of human trafficking in Ghana, where traffickers exploit the vulnerable through a mix of physical abuse, financial pressure, and spiritual manipulation to maintain control.
