Nigerian Trader Jailed Seven Years for Trafficking Victims Into Prostitution in Ghana
An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a Nigerian trader to seven years imprisonment after she was found guilty of luring two young women from Nigeria into Ghana under false pretences and forcing them into prostitution.
Ada Peace, convicted on four charges including human trafficking and illegal entry, was brought to justice following an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Immigration Service Asankrangwa Sector Command in the Western Region, which rescued two victims aged 21 and 13 from exploitation.
Presenting the facts of the case, prosecutor Chief Superintendent of Immigration John Bernard Otoo told the court that the victims were recruited in Nigeria with promises of legitimate employment as shop attendants in Ghana.
Upon arrival, however, they were instead delivered to a brothel at Adaase near Asankrangwa, where they were coerced into commercial sex work while Peace pocketed the proceeds.
A statement from the Ghana Immigration Service revealed that the victims were subjected to spiritual intimidation and told they were indebted to the tune of six million Naira — a debt they were forced to repay through prostitution.
Peace and her accomplice, Rejoice Opara, had entered Ghana illegally through unapproved border routes in July 2024 and had been residing in the country without valid permits. Opara was separately fined and discharged.
Investigations by the GIS Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Section established that the victims had been recruited through accomplices in Nigeria before being transported across the border and handed over to Peace.
Comptroller-General of Immigration Samuel Basintale Amadu condemned the crime in the strongest terms, warning that the GIS would pursue, investigate and prosecute anyone found to be exploiting vulnerable persons or flouting immigration laws.
The GIS used the conviction to issue a public warning about the tactics commonly employed by traffickers, including recruitment through social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, deceptive promises of jobs or travel opportunities, and demands for upfront payments from self-styled travel agents.
The public was urged to remain alert and report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
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