Nigerian woman, 24, jailed seven years for human trafficking in Ghana

A 24-year-old Nigerian woman, Mariam Yussif, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Gender-Based Violence Court in Tamale for human trafficking involving the alleged recruitment and transportation of victims from Nigeria to Ghana for sexual exploitation.

Yussif was convicted on Thursday, October 22, 2026, following investigations into her alleged involvement in the trafficking operation, according to the Northern Regional Police Command.

She and her 22-year-old sister, Precious Clement, were arrested in Yendi on August 17, 2026, over their suspected involvement in the operation.

However, while Yussif was found guilty by the court, her sister was released after investigators failed to establish a case against her.

Following her conviction and sentencing, Yussif was transferred to Tamale Central Prison to begin serving her seven-year custodial term.

The case underscores the criminal justice system’s response to human trafficking, a crime that exposes victims to exploitation and abuse. The alleged movement of victims across national borders for sexual exploitation also raises concerns about the protection of vulnerable people and the need for sustained efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible.

EA