The New Juaben South Municipal Police Command has raided a suspected brothel at Dabiasem, a suburb of Koforidua, arresting 15 young women over alleged involvement in commercial sex activities and human trafficking.

The suspects, aged between 15 and 32, were apprehended on Tuesday, February 10, during a police operation at a house located in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

Briefing journalists in Koforidua on ongoing law enforcement operations, the Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, said the raid followed a complaint by a Nigerian woman who alleged that she had been assaulted by her mistress, known only as “Queenmother”.

According to Superintendent Nsiah, the alleged assault occurred after the victim failed to meet a daily payment target of GH¢400 imposed by the suspect.

“We also arrested another man who had constructed a house and turned it into a brothel where the young ladies were staying,” he stated.

Superintendent Nsiah disclosed that the alleged ringleader was collecting GH¢25 per day from each of the women. He added that about 15 persons, including a 15-year-old minor, were currently in police custody and would be arraigned before court, as their alleged conduct breaches provisions of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694).

He explained that after screening and interrogation, the young women were charged with soliciting for sex, while their female matrons were charged with assembling for an unlawful purpose.

The suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations and are expected to be put before the High Court.

Superintendent Nsiah indicated that the police would intensify similar operations, particularly during the Easter festivities, to clamp down on crime within the municipality and across the region.

He stressed that his command remains committed to ensuring residents live without fear or intimidation.