February 12, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Ghanaian police have arrested 12 Nigerian nationals and others as part of a major crackdown on prostitution and suspected human trafficking in Koforidua, Eastern Region, authorities confirmed on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
Operatives of the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command carried out the operation following a complaint from a Nigerian woman, identified as Stella Godwill, who said she was trafficked from Nigeria to Ghana and forced into commercial sex work under coercive conditions. The police said the complaint detailed how she was required to meet a high daily earnings quota and was physically assaulted for failing to do so, prompting the intervention.
In addition to the 12 Nigerians and one Ghanaian suspected of involvement in prostitution and related activities, officers also detained two other individuals a landlord alleged to have provided accommodation for the illegal operations and a bouncer linked to the ring on charges including human trafficking, operating a brothel, and assault.
The suspects, ranging in age from 15 to 31, were arrested in the Dabiasem suburb of New Juaben after investigators traced the complaint to a suspected brothel. Police reportedly recovered evidence such as condoms at the scene, which officials say supports ongoing enquiries.
Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, Municipal Police Commander, warned against landlords renting properties for illegal activities, highlighting that Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act criminalises prostitution, human trafficking and brothel operations. He said the youngest suspect a minor had been placed under protective care with social welfare authorities, while all others are expected to be arraigned in court once investigation reports are completed.
Law enforcement expressed particular concern about the involvement of minors in commercial sex activities, emphasising that such cases are a focus of both police and child protection services. Ghanaian authorities urged the public to assist with information on trafficking networks and to help protect vulnerable persons from exploitation.
The operation reflects broader efforts by Ghana’s police to disrupt illegal prostitution rings and human trafficking syndicates, which law enforcement says have been reported in parts of the country where traffickers allegedly lure victims with false promises of work and opportunity.