Two Nigerians arrested for allegedly trafficking three for prostitution in Ghana

Two individuals have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court in connection with human trafficking after allegedly luring three victims from Nigeria to Ghana under the guise of securing them jobs, only to force them into prostitution.

Chidemma Nweke, a 24-year-old sex worker, and Mercy Francis, a 27-year-old trader, were accused of trafficking the victims from Nigeria to Ghana. The pair were arrested by police officers at Asuogya Krobo, a town in the Western North Region of Ghana. Nweke is said to have trafficked one victim, while Francis allegedly trafficked two others.

The two women are facing charges of abetting and engaging in human trafficking. They have denied the charges and have been remanded in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for April 29, 2025.

Two other suspects, identified only as Favour and Blessing, are reportedly still at large.

According to the prosecution, the case began when Favour Chinecherem, a victim of the trafficking operation, was assisted by a good Samaritan to escape from the traffickers at Wassa Akropong and sought help from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. During interviews, Favour revealed that several other victims were being held at a brothel in Asuogya Krobo.

On April 10, 2025, an investigation team raided the brothel, rescuing six additional victims and arresting the two accused women.

Chidemma is alleged to have recruited Favour from Nigeria with promises of employment in her boutique, but upon arrival in Ghana, Favour was confined to a brothel and coerced into prostitution. Later, Mercy Francis, who managed the brothel, allegedly arranged for Favour's sale to other individuals for GH₵5,000. Mercy received a share of GH₵500, which she reportedly used to renovate her pub.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the trafficking ring.