Two Nigerian nationals, Chidemma Nweke, 24, also known as Mama, and Mercy Francis, 27, a trader, have been charged with human trafficking for allegedly trafficking three individuals from Nigeria to Ghana under the pretense of providing them with jobs, only to force them into prostitution.
The accused were arrested in Wassa Akropong in the Western North Region, after a tip-off led police to discover the victims being held in a brothel in the area. Nweke and Francis are facing charges of human trafficking and abetment of crime related to human trafficking.
According to prosecution, Chidemma Nweke trafficked one individual, while Mercy Francis trafficked two others. Both have denied the charges. The case is being heard before the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Mrs. Christina Cann, who has remanded the accused into lawful custody until their next appearance on April 29, 2025.
Two other accomplices, identified as Favour and Blessing, are currently at large. The complainant, Chief Calistus Eloziepuwa, the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Ghana, alerted authorities after one of the victims, Favour Chinecherem, managed to escape and report the trafficking operation.
Prosecution further detailed how Favour, along with other victims, was held at a brothel in Wassa Akropong. Chidemma Nweke allegedly recruited Favour from Nigeria under the false promise of work in her boutique. Upon arrival in Ghana, however, Favour was instead coerced into prostitution. Mercy Francis, who managed the brothel and a local drinking spot, reportedly suggested that Nweke sell Favour to a buyer. The victim was eventually sold for GH¢5,000, with Mercy collecting a GH¢500 commission, which she used to renovate her pub.
The police operation led by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit rescued six additional victims and resulted in the arrest of Nweke and Francis. Investigations are still ongoing as authorities work to apprehend the remaining accomplices and further investigate the extent of the trafficking network.
This case highlights the continuing issue of human trafficking in Ghana, particularly involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through false job promises and forced prostitution.
