The Central North Regional Police Command has arrested 42 individuals in Ayamfuri in the Central Region.
The suspects include 32 Nigerian women allegedly engaged in prostitution and 10 Ghanaian youths suspected of drug peddling.
According to DCOP Abraham Acqaye, the Regional Police Commander, the arrests were made during targeted operations at known hotspots, with many of the suspects caught in the act.
The individuals, aged between 20 and 32, were found in possession of items such as suspected Indian hemp, concoctions believed to contain narcotic substances, condoms, and cigarettes.
During initial interrogations, some of the suspects claimed to be victims of human trafficking. They said they were lured to Ghana with promises of legitimate employment, only to be forced into prostitution upon arrival.
Others alleged they were being exploited and made to work under harsh conditions in order to repay debts owed to traffickers, who demanded large sums for their release.
The police say investigations are ongoing.
