Police Arrest 15 in Koforidua Over Alleged Human Trafficking and Prostitution Ring

The Ghana Police Service in Koforidua has apprehended 15 individuals in connection with alleged human trafficking and prostitution-related offences in the Eastern Region.

Those arrested include 13 suspected sex workers—12 of whom are Nigerians—a landlord, and a bouncer. The suspects are being investigated for offences including human trafficking, assault, operating a brothel, permitting a minor to engage in prostitution, and trading in prostitution.

The arrests were triggered by a complaint filed on Thursday, February 6, 2026, by a 30-year-old Nigerian woman identified as Godwill, who resides at Nsukwao in Koforidua. According to the Koforidua Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, the complainant alleged that she was brought from Nigeria to Ghana by a woman she described as her “madam,” Christabel Simon Monday, for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

She reportedly told Police that she was compelled to meet a daily earnings target of GHS400 from sex work. However, on the day of the incident, she managed to make only GHS250. This, she claimed, led to her being assaulted by Christabel and her boyfriend, Simon Kwarteng, after they allegedly rejected the amount.

Acting on the complaint, Police launched an operation at Dabiasem, a suburb of New Juaben, where Christabel Simon Monday was arrested. The operation also led to the discovery of a suspected brothel on the premises, allegedly operated by landlord Omari Gyamfi.

During the raid, officers found 12 other Nigerian women at the facility, including a 15-year-old girl believed to have been involved in prostitution. The minor has since been removed from the premises and placed under protective care, with the Police working closely with relevant social welfare authorities.

Police also retrieved a quantity of unused condoms from the scene as part of ongoing investigations.

All suspects remain in custody and are assisting with investigations. They are expected to be put before court after investigations are concluded.

The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its resolve to clamp down on human trafficking and other related offences, particularly those involving minors and vulnerable persons. The Service is urging members of the public to report suspected cases of trafficking, child exploitation, and other criminal activities to the nearest Police station.