In a grim reminder of the pervasive scourge of human trafficking, authorities in Ghana have dismantled a disturbing exploitation ring operating in the Upper Denkyira West District. Acting on intelligence, the Central North Regional Police Command conducted a major operation in Nipanekro near Subin, revealing what officials have described as a modern-day slavery network.
The raid resulted in the arrest of 39 individuals, including 33 young Nigerian women aged between 16 and 25, who were identified as victims of trafficking and forced prostitution. Six male suspects, allegedly involved in drug-related activities supporting the operation, were also apprehended.
The Harrowing Reality
At a media briefing, ACP Abraham Acquaye, the Central North Regional Police Commander, shed light on the appalling conditions under which these women were held. He emphasized that the victims are not considered suspects but rather “victims of circumstance” who were subjected to unimaginable abuse. Plans are underway to repatriate them to Nigeria through collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service.
The testimonies of the victims paint a chilling picture of their ordeal. They revealed that they were trafficked by a woman known as “Mama Rich,” who subjected them to severe physical and psychological abuse. Each woman was forced to generate strict daily revenue targets—GH¢1,000 on Mondays and GH¢500 on other days—or face grotesque punishments. One of the most horrifying forms of punishment was being forced to eat their trafficker’s faeces for failing to meet quotas.
Psychological Manipulation and Ritual Abuse
The exploitation extended beyond physical abuse and financial coercion. The victims disclosed that they were subjected to terrifying rituals, including being made to swear naked at a shrine. These rituals served as psychological traps, instilling fear and ensuring compliance through threats of madness or other dire consequences should they attempt to escape.
According to police estimates, each victim was coerced into sleeping with up to 20 men per day in order to meet their imposed financial targets—a shocking testament to the scale of their exploitation.
The Role of Drug Trade
While the women endured unimaginable suffering, investigations have revealed that the operation was sustained by an intricate network involving drug trade. The six male suspects arrested during the raid are alleged to have played key roles in facilitating this criminal enterprise. They remain in police custody as authorities delve deeper into their involvement.
A Call to Action
This case underscores the cruel realities of human trafficking, where victims are controlled through a combination of physical abuse, financial exploitation, and psychological manipulation. It is a stark reminder that human trafficking is not only a violation of human rights but also a deeply entrenched societal issue requiring urgent intervention.
Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation, calling for enhanced international collaboration to dismantle such networks and protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to these heinous crimes.
As the victims begin their journey toward recovery and reintegration, their stories serve as a powerful call for collective action against human trafficking—a crime that thrives in secrecy but devastates lives in plain sight.
Let this case be a rallying cry for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide to strengthen measures against trafficking and exploitation, ensuring that no one is left vulnerable to such atrocities. Together, we must work toward a future where freedom and dignity are safeguarded for all.
-Adomonline
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
