Ghana police arrest 13 sex workers, including Nigerians, over human trafficking and brothel operations in Koforidua

Thirteen commercial sex workers, including 12 Nigerian women and a Ghanaian woman, were arrested during a police operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking in Koforidua, Eastern Region, Ghana.

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The New Juaben South Municipal Police Command confirmed the arrests on Monday, February 10, 2026, following a complaint lodged on February 6 by Stella Godwill, a 30-year-old Nigerian sex worker, who alleged she had been trafficked to Ghana by her mistress, Christabel Simon Monday.

According to Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, Municipal Police Commander, the complainant said she was forced to meet a daily target of 400 Ghana cedis from prostitution activities.

On the day of the incident, she reportedly raised only 250 cedis, leading to a physical assault by her mistress and her boyfriend, Simon Kwarteng.

Subsequent investigations led police to a brothel in Dabiasem, a suburb of New Juaben, where 12 additional sex workers and two men—a landlord and a bouncer—were arrested.

Condoms were recovered from the premises during the operation.

Superintendent Nsiah said the suspects, aged 15 to 32, are believed to have violated Sections 273, 274, and 277 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalise prostitution, human trafficking, and the operation of brothels.

The minor involved has been separated for protection, and arrangements are being made with the Department of Social Welfare.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Kusi Asante, Municipal Crime Officer, warned landlords against renting properties for illegal activities, saying offenders will face the full rigours of the law.

Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and called on the public to provide information to help arrest traffickers and safeguard vulnerable persons.

Previous investigations in the region revealed similar trafficking networks, mainly involving young girls brought from Nigeria under false pretences of legitimate employment.

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The arrests highlight continuing concerns over sex trafficking and commercial sex activities involving minors in Ghana, particularly in Koforidua.