Two individuals who allegedly trafficked three persons from Nigeria to Ghana and forced them into prostitution have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
Chidemma Nweke, also known as Mama, a 24-year-old sex worker, and Mercy Francis, a 27-year-old trader, are accused of luring the victims from Nigeria under the pretext of securing them jobs.
The accused were arrested by a team of police officers at Asuogya Krobo in Wassa Akropong in the Western North Region.
They are facing charges of abetment of crime to wit human trafficking, and human trafficking. Nweke is alleged to have trafficked one victim, while Francis, also known as Blessing or Gina, allegedly trafficked two.
Both have pleaded not guilty. The court, presided over by Mrs. Christina Cann, remanded them into lawful custody to reappear on April 29, 2025.
Meanwhile, two of their alleged accomplices, identified as Favour and Blessing, are currently at large.
According to the prosecution, the complainant is Chief Calistus Eloziepuwa, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Ghana. The accused, both Nigerian nationals, were residing at Wassa Akropong.
On April 7, 2025, Chief Eloziepuwa and victim Favour Chinecherem reported the case to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters. They explained that a good Samaritan had helped Favour escape from the traffickers while en route to Accra.
During interrogation, Favour disclosed that more victims were being held captive at Asuogya Krobo in Wassa Akropong and identified all four suspects.
On April 10, 2025, a team from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, led by the Station Officer, conducted an operation in Wassa Akropong. Six additional victims were rescued, and the two accused were arrested.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Nweke had recruited and transported Favour from Nigeria to Ghana under the pretense of offering her work in a boutique. Upon arrival, however, Nweke confined her in a brothel at Asuogya Krobo and forced her into prostitution, collecting the proceeds.
Later, Mercy Francis, who managed the brothel and a drinking spot called Royal City Pub, advised Nweke to sell the victim. Mercy allegedly introduced buyers, including another individual named Favour (the third accused) and one Blessing (the fourth accused). The victim was reportedly sold for GH¢5,000.
Following the sale, Mercy received GH¢500 as her share, which she used to paint the pub.
Prosecutors said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
GNA