Nigerian and Ghanaian commercial sɛx workers arrested in Koforidua
sex workers
A special operation initiated by the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, and the police has led to the arrest of around 50 commercial sɛx workers in Koforidua.
Majority of the suspects are said to be Nigerians, some of whom were trafficked, while a few are Ghanaians. The suspects were arrested in brothels in parts of New Juaben South Municipality.
Speaking at the Pentecost International Worship Center (PIWC) in Koforidua to climax National Youth Week celebration by the Church, the MP confirmed the arrests and stated that the police carried out the operation on his directive.
He emphasized that the business of prostitution will not be tolerated, and urged anyone with information about the illegal activity to contact the police or himself.
Earlier this year, the MP raised concerns about the rise in child prostitution cases in Koforidua, with children as young as 12 years old engaging in the illegal activity.
He blamed irresponsible adults for establishing brothels and recruiting young girls for sexual exploitation.
Investigations by Starr News Eastern Regional correspondent Kojo Ansah in June 2022 also uncovered sex trafficking cartels operating in Koforidua, mostly involving Ghanaians and Nigerians.
Young girls from Nigeria were trafficked to Koforidua under the pretext of employment in the hospitality industry, but were abducted and forced into prostitution upon arrival.
The victims were confined in Bula spot and Little Ben brothels where they were sexually exploited by the traffickers.
Following the investigation, the New Juaben South Municipal Security Council raided the two brothels, but the suspects and victims escaped.
Two of the victims, including a 20-year-old girl who was impregnated and infected with HIV, were repatriated to Nigeria by the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and other international partners.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
