The New Juaben South Municipal Police Command has arrested 15 women aged between 15 and 35 in connection with human trafficking and commercial sex offences.

The arrests followed a complaint from a commercial sex worker who alleged that she was physically assaulted for failing to meet her daily target of GH¢400 set by her trafficker and her boyfriend.

During the operation, police also apprehended several landlords who had converted their apartments into brothels, charging tenants GH¢25 per day for use of the premises. Authorities have warned property owners against facilitating such illegal activities.

Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, Municipal Commander, briefed the media at the Central Police Station in Koforidua on Tuesday, February 10, highlighting the risks posed by commercial sex operations and human trafficking in the area.

“Last Sunday, we received a report from a Nigerian woman who had been assaulted by her mistress, commonly referred to as a ‘queen mother,’ for not meeting the daily GH¢400 target. We also arrested a man who had constructed a house and turned it into a brothel, collecting GH¢25 daily from each occupant. Currently, 15 individuals, aged between 15 and 32, are in custody and will appear in court soon,” he said.

ASP Asante Kusi Augustine, the Municipal Crime Officer, expressed concern over the involvement of minors in commercial sex work, particularly the arrest of a 15-year-old.

He appealed to the public to provide information that could help law enforcement identify and apprehend more traffickers.

The police operation underscores the command’s ongoing commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable residents in the New Juaben South Municipality.

Authorities continue to urge community cooperation to eradicate illegal commercial sex activities and hold perpetrators accountable.