Nigerian slapped with 7-year jail term for human trafficking

An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Nigerian trader, Ada Peace, to seven years’ imprisonment for human trafficking and immigration-related offences after she was found guilty of exploiting two Nigerian victims in Ghana.

The conviction followed an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Asankragwa Sector Command, which rescued two victims, aged 21 and 13, from exploitation.

According to a GIS statement dated June 4, 2026, investigations by the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons (AHSTIP) Section disclosed that the victims had been lured from Nigeria under false promises of employment as shop attendants in Ghana.

“The victims were lured from Nigeria under false promises of shop attendant jobs in Ghana but were instead forced into prostitution while the convict appropriated the proceeds,” the statement said.

Presenting the case before the court, Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI) John Bernard Otoo said the victims were instead forced into prostitution, while the convict allegedly took control of the money they earned.

“The victims were subjected to spiritual intimidation and coerced into commercial sex work to repay debts amounting to six million Nigerian Naira,” the statement indicated.

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Investigators established that the victims were recruited through accomplices in Nigeria, transported into Ghana and received by Ada Peace at a brothel in Adaase, near Asankragwa, where they were subjected to spiritual intimidation and coerced into commercial sex work.

The victims were reportedly forced to repay debts amounting to six million Nigerian naira before they could regain their freedom.

The prosecution further disclosed that Ada Peace and an accomplice, Rejoice Opara, entered Ghana illegally through unapproved border routes in July 2024 and had remained in the country without valid permits.

While Peace faced four charges, including human trafficking and illegal entry, Opara was fined and discharged.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, condemned human trafficking, sexual exploitation and illegal migration, warning that offenders would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

“Human trafficking, sexual exploitation and illegal migration will not be tolerated. Offenders will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted,” he warned.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant, cautioning that traffickers often use deceptive methods, including recruitment through social media platforms and false promises of jobs or travel opportunities to lure vulnerable individuals.

MRA/VPO

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