Security operatives in Ghana’s Eastern Region have arrested 15 suspects, including 12 Nigerians, during a targeted operation against alleged prostitution and human trafficking activities in Koforidua.
The operation was carried out by officers of the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command following a complaint that triggered investigations into a suspected trafficking network operating within the municipality.
According to local reports, the arrests were made on Monday, February 9, 2026, after a 30-year-old Nigerian woman, identified as Stella Godwill, reported that she had been trafficked from Nigeria to Ghana and forced into commercial sex work.
The complainant alleged that she was brought to Ghana by a woman identified as Christabel Simon Monday under the pretext of work, but was later compelled to engage in prostitution. She further told police that she was required to generate a daily income of 400 Ghana cedis.
On the day of the reported incident, she said she managed to earn only 250 cedis and was allegedly assaulted by the suspected trafficker and her boyfriend, identified as Simon Kwarteng, for failing to meet the target.
Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, confirmed that authorities immediately launched an investigation after receiving the complaint.
Acting on intelligence, police traced the prime suspect to Dabiasem, a suburb of New Juaben, where she was arrested. Subsequent investigations led officers to a property allegedly being used as a brothel, resulting in the arrest of 12 additional suspects.
Two other individuals were also apprehended a landlord accused of converting his building into a brothel and charging occupants 25 Ghana cedis daily, and a bouncer allegedly linked to the operation.
Police reported recovering condoms during the raid as part of evidence gathered at the scene.
Authorities disclosed that the suspects currently in custody are aged between 15 and 31 years. The minor among them has been separated from the adults and placed under protective care, with the Department of Social Welfare notified for further intervention.
Superintendent Nsiah stated that all suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Kusi Asante, the Municipal Crime Officer, warned property owners against allowing their premises to be used for unlawful purposes. He cited Section 277 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960, which criminalises the operation of brothels and carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Police indicated that the suspects are being investigated for alleged violations of Sections 273, 274, and 277 of the Act, which address prostitution-related offences, human trafficking, and brothel operations.
Law enforcement authorities expressed concern over the reported involvement of minors in commercial sex activities and reiterated their commitment to dismantling trafficking networks operating within the Eastern Region.
Investigations are ongoing, with officials urging members of the public to volunteer credible information that could assist in protecting vulnerable individuals and curbing exploitation.
The latest arrests form part of broader anti-trafficking efforts in the region, where previous investigations uncovered syndicates allegedly luring young women from Nigeria with promises of hospitality jobs before subjecting them to exploitation.
