Sex Worker Jailed 20 Years for Human Trafficking, other offence at Tarkwa

Patience Gideon Sentenced for Human Trafficking

Patience Gideon, a 32-year-old Nigerian sex worker, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The Tarkwa Circuit Court found her guilty of human trafficking and related offences.

The prosecution was led by Detective Chief Superintendent Adams Mumuni and Assistant Superintendent Samuel Ahiabor. Her Honour Hathia Ama Manu presided over the case.

Gideon trafficked four young Nigerian women from Benue State to Ghana. The victims are Jennifer Terewuba (20), Abigail Timothy (21), Happiness Kowuka (27), and Rejoice Isaac (30). She promised them jobs as bar attendants but forced them into prostitution instead.

For Count One, she was convicted under the Human Trafficking Act. This resulted in a 20-year sentence with hard labour.

On Count Two, she unlawfully administered herbal concoctions to Abigail Timothy to cause an abortion. For this, she received a five-year sentence with hard labour.

Count Three involved assaulting Happiness Kowuka, leading to a two-year sentence with hard labour. Count Four, for engaging in prostitution, earned her a two-month sentence with hard labour.

The court revealed that the victims were forcibly initiated into sex work. They underwent rituals like shaving their pubic hair and swearing oaths under duress.

Fearing Gideon's threats, they complied with her demands and surrendered their earnings. The abuse worsened when Kowuka was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

Gideon allegedly relocated her to continue prostitution and assaulted her over GH¢300. This left Kowuka with facial injuries and confiscated medication.

The victims reported the abuse to Asankrangwa Police, leading to Gideon's arrest. She confessed in front of an independent witness before being charged.

The court ordered that all four victims be returned to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of Ghana Police Headquarters. This will help facilitate their safe return and reintegration into Nigeria.

This case highlights the ongoing threat of human trafficking across West African borders. It also emphasizes the need for cross-border law enforcement cooperation.