In a case that has captured public attention, the Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, has remanded a 55-year-old Cameroonian national, Cesar Victoire Tsala, into police custody. Tsala faces serious charges of human trafficking and abduction of a minor, offenses that have raised significant concerns about the safety and welfare of vulnerable individuals in Ghana.
The Charges
Tsala has been charged with two main offenses: human trafficking, in violation of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) as amended, and abduction of an unmarried female under the age of 18, contrary to Section 91 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Despite the gravity of the allegations, the accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case has been adjourned, and Tsala is set to reappear before the court on October 13, 2025.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations against Tsala paint a troubling picture. According to the prosecution, the victim, a female minor whose name has been withheld for her protection, was living with her aunt, Princess Anyamah, in Spintex, Accra. In 2024, while preparing for her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the victim was allegedly abducted and went missing for a year.
The victim reportedly returned home on September 12, 2025, after escaping from Tsala's custody. She later informed law enforcement that she had been forcibly taken from Spintex to Kasoa and subsequently to East Legon, where she was allegedly subjected to exploitation.
Police investigations reveal that the victim was only 16 years old at the time of her alleged abduction. Tsala, who is said to be a member of the same church as the victim and her guardian, allegedly exploited this connection to gain her trust. Under the pretense of assisting her with basic needs, teaching her French, and helping her join a football team, he reportedly lured her away from her guardian’s care.
Exploitation and Deception
The prosecution claims that Tsala housed the victim for seven months at Spintex without notifying her guardian. Even after the guardian returned from a trip to Nigeria and actively searched for the girl, Tsala allegedly kept her whereabouts concealed. He later moved her to a guesthouse in Kasoa for one month before relocating with her to East Legon.
Further investigations reveal that Tsala allegedly prevented the victim from completing her WASSCE exams and misled her with false promises of enrolling her in a football academy. These actions reportedly left the victim in a state of vulnerability and isolation.
The victim eventually managed to escape after convincing Tsala to let her return home under the guise of retrieving her birth certificate for documentation purposes. This request provided her with an opportunity to flee and reunite with her guardian.
On September 18, 2025, she led police officers to East Legon, where she identified Tsala. The accused was subsequently arrested. During interrogation, he admitted to keeping the girl in his custody without informing or obtaining consent from her guardian.
Background Information
The victim’s journey to Ghana began in 2019 when she was brought from Nigeria to live with her aunt for educational purposes. Tsala, a trader by profession, reportedly leveraged his relationship with the family through their shared church affiliation to gain access to the victim.
Following thorough police investigations, Tsala was formally charged and arraigned before the Circuit Court. His actions have sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation.
Implications and Next Steps
This case underscores the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, from exploitation and abuse. It also highlights the need for communities and institutions to remain vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks.
As the legal process unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking and protecting the rights of children.
Cesar Victoire Tsala remains in police custody as he awaits his next court appearance on October 13, 2025. The public will undoubtedly follow this case closely as it progresses through the judicial system.
