Two remanded over human trafficking

Two people have appeared in an Accra Circuit Court. They are accused of trafficking three individuals from Nigeria to Ghana. The victims were allegedly forced into prostitution.

Chidemma Nweke, 24, is a sex worker known as Mama. Mercy Francis, 27, is a trader also called Blessing or Gina. They reportedly lured the victims with promises of jobs.

Police arrested them at Asuogya Krobo in Wassa Akropong, Western North Region. Both face charges of human trafficking and abetment of crime.

Nweke trafficked one victim while Francis trafficked two. They have denied the charges and remain in custody until April 29, 2025.

Two accomplices named Favour and Blessing are still at large. Chief Calistus Eloziepuwa reported the case to authorities. He is the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Ghana.

Nweke and Francis are Nigerian nationals living in Wassa Akropong. On April 7, 2025, Favour Chinecherem escaped with help from a good Samaritan.

Favour reported her ordeal to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. She revealed that other victims were held captive at Asuogva Krobo and named all four accused.

On April 10, police conducted an operation in Wassa Akropong. They rescued six additional victims and arrested Nweke and Francis.

Investigations showed that Chidemma recruited Favour under false pretenses for work in her boutique. Upon arrival in Ghana, she was taken to a brothel and forced into prostitution.

Mercy Francis managed the brothel called Royal City Pub. She advised Nweke to sell Favour after some time.

Eventually, buyers were found for Favour at GH¢5,000. Mercy received GH¢500 from this sale to renovate the pub.

Prosecution stated that investigations continue to apprehend other accomplices involved.