The Central North Regional Police Command has rescued 33 women believed to be victims of a sex trafficking syndicate at Nipa-ne-Kuro, near Denkyira Subin, in the Upper Denkyira West District. The dawn operation, carried out around 5:05 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, was led by DCOP Abraham Acquaye and a 35-member task force, resulting in the arrest of six suspects, including the alleged brothel operator.
Police investigations revealed that the victims, mostly young Nigerian women, were lured to Ghana with promises of decent jobs but were instead forced into commercial sex work under harsh and abusive conditions. Each woman was required to pay between GHS 500 and GHS 1,000 daily to their handler, known as “Mama Rich.” Those who failed to meet the targets suffered brutal punishments such as beatings, being forced to eat human excreta, or having pepper smeared or inserted into their private parts. One victim sustained eye damage after being struck with a stick, while another is suffering severe abdominal pain suspected to be the result of forced sexual activity. Victims also alleged they were denied medical care despite serious health conditions.
The women further recounted being taken to a shrine, stripped naked, shaved, and forced to swear deadly oaths, under threats of madness or death if they attempted escape. During the raid, police recovered a locally manufactured shotgun, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a half-gallon of locally brewed alcohol allegedly laced with drugs, and other banned substances.
Police confirmed that the suspects are in custody assisting investigations, while the rescued victims will be handed over to the Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service for rehabilitation and reintegration. DCOP Acquaye reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to dismantle trafficking networks and called for stronger public collaboration in reporting suspicious activities, stressing that fighting human trafficking requires joint efforts from security agencies, communities, and civil society.
