A Nigerian national has been sentenced to seven years in prison by an Accra Circuit Court after being convicted for human trafficking and immigration-related offences, following a major rescue operation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).
The convicted woman, identified as Ada Peace, was found guilty after investigators rescued two victims aged 21 and 13 who were allegedly trafficked into Ghana under false promises of employment and later forced into prostitution.
The ruling highlights Ghana’s growing crackdown on human trafficking networks operating across West African borders.
Victims Lured With Fake Job Offers and Trafficked Into Ghana
According to the Ghana Immigration Service, the victims were recruited in Nigeria with promises of legitimate work as shop attendants in Ghana.
However, upon arrival, they were allegedly taken to a brothel in Adaase near Asankragwa, where they were forced into commercial sex work while their earnings were seized by the traffickers.
Investigators say the victims were moved into Ghana through illegal border routes and handed over to the convict and her accomplices.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Rescue
The case was uncovered after an intelligence-led operation by the GIS Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons (AHSTIP) Unit, based on information gathered by the Asankragwa Sector Command.
The operation led to the rescue of the two victims and the arrest of those involved in the trafficking network.
Chief Superintendent of Immigration John Bernard Otoo, who presented the case in court, revealed that the victims were subjected to psychological and spiritual intimidation to keep them compliant.
Victims Forced Into Prostitution Under Debt Threats
Court proceedings revealed that the victims were allegedly told they owed a debt of six million Nigerian Naira, which they were forced to “repay” through prostitution.
The traffickers reportedly collected all proceeds from their exploitation while maintaining control through threats and coercion.
Authorities say the case reflects a disturbing pattern of modern trafficking tactics involving deception, debt bondage, and psychological abuse.
Court Sentences Ada Peace to 7 Years Imprisonment
The Accra Circuit Court found Ada Peace guilty on multiple counts, including:
- Human trafficking
- Illegal entry into Ghana
- Immigration-related offences
She was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for her role in the operation.
Another suspect, identified as Rejoice Opara, was fined and discharged by the court.
Immigration Boss Condemns Rising Trafficking Tactics
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, strongly condemned the case, describing human trafficking and illegal migration as serious threats to national security and human dignity.
He warned that offenders will continue to face strict investigation and prosecution, stressing that Ghana will not tolerate exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Public Warning Over Social Media Recruitment Scams
The GIS also issued a strong public warning, urging citizens to be cautious of traffickers who increasingly use social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook to lure victims.
Common tactics include:
- Fake job offers abroad or in Ghana
- False travel and visa promises
- Requests for upfront “processing” payments
- Recruitment through self-styled agents
Authorities are advising the public to verify all job and travel offers before engagement.
Conclusion: Ghana Intensifies Fight Against Human Trafficking
The conviction underscores Ghana’s ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border trafficking networks and protect vulnerable victims from exploitation.
Security agencies say more intelligence-led operations will continue as part of a broader strategy to combat human trafficking and illegal migration across the region.