The New Juaben South Municipal Police Command has arrested 15 young women during a raid on a suspected brothel at Dabiasem, near Koforidua, over allegations of commercial sex work and human trafficking.
The suspects, aged between 15 and 32, were picked up on Tuesday, February 10, during an operation at a facility in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
Addressing journalists in Koforidua, Municipal Police Commander Superintendent Ransford Nsiah said the operation was triggered by a complaint from a Nigerian woman who reported being assaulted by her handler, known only as “Queenmother”.
The victim alleged the attack followed her failure to meet a daily earnings target of GH¢400.
“We also arrested another man who had constructed a house and turned it into a brothel where the young ladies were staying,” Superintendent Nsiah said.
He disclosed that the alleged ringleader collected about GH¢25 per day from each woman.
Fifteen suspects, including a 15-year-old girl, are currently in police custody and will be arraigned for offences under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694).
Following screening and questioning, the young women were charged with soliciting for sex, while their female supervisors face charges of assembling for an unlawful purpose.
All suspects remain in custody assisting with investigations, and are expected to appear before the High Court.
Superintendent Nsiah said the police plan to step up similar operations, particularly during the upcoming Easter festivities, to curb crime in the municipality and region.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents.
