The New Juaben South Municipal Police Command has arrested 13 suspected prostitutes of Nigerian descent, aged between 15 and 31, during a special operation in the municipality.
The Police also arrested two alleged accomplices, including landlords and their partners, for allegedly facilitating prostitution related activities and human trafficking.
According to the Police, the suspects’ activities contravene Sections 273, 274, and 277 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which prohibit prostitution, human trafficking, and related offences.
Addressing the media, the Municipal Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustine Kusi Asante, emphasized that minors must not be engaged in prostitution or any form of commercial sex.
He warned landlords and property owners against allowing their premises to be used as brothels.
“We are cautioning landlords and landowners who give out their houses for such activities. Section 277 frowns on operating a brothel, and it is a serious offence. Be warned, we are coming for you. Our intelligence teams have been deployed across the municipality. We are determined to reduce this act to the barest minimum. Agents involved should know that we have your names and we are coming,” he cautioned.
ASP Asante also appealed to the public to assist the Police with credible information.
“We are pleading with the public to give us information. If you find anything abnormal in your community, report it to us. We assure you of protection,” he said.
The New Juaben South Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, explained that the suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations.
He noted that the minor involved has been separated for protection, and arrangements are being made in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare.
“Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be arraigned before court upon completion,” he added.
He reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to combating human trafficking and related offences, urging the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking, child abuse, or exploitation to the nearest police station.
The arrests followed a report made on Sunday, February 8, 2025, by one of the suspects, identified as Stella Godwill, who reported an assault and trafficking case to the police.
Police investigations revealed that the complainant a resident of Nsukwao, was a commercial sex worker who failed to meet a daily target of GH¢400.00, allegedly demanded by her identified “Queen mother,” Christabel Simon.
This reportedly led to a confrontation and her subsequent assault by the queen mother and her boyfriend.
Upon their arrest, police further uncovered that another individual was operating a brothel in Dabiasem, leading to the arrest of the remaining 12 suspected prostitutes. Condoms were found on them.
By Yvonne Neequaye
