In a dawn raid on September 11, 2025, the Central North Regional Police Command rescued 33 women believed to be victims of a sex trafficking syndicate operating at Nipa-ne-Kuro, near Denkyira Subin in the Upper Denkyira West District.

The operation, led by DCOP Abraham Acquaye and a 35-member task force, was executed at 5:05 a.m. and resulted in the arrest of six suspects, including the alleged brothel operator.

Police say the syndicate lured mostly young Nigerian women into Ghana with promises of white-collar jobs, only to force them into sex work under abusive conditions.

According to investigations, the women were compelled to pay daily sums ranging between GHS 500 and GHS 1,000 to their handler, identified only as “Mama Rich.”

Those who failed to meet the targets endured severe punishments.

Survivors recounted harrowing abuses, including beatings, being forced to eat or brush their teeth with human excreta, and the application of pepper to their private parts.

One victim is battling serious eye injuries after being struck with a stick, while another is suffering abdominal complications—suspected to be a dislocated womb—following forced sexual encounters.

Despite their declining health, victims say “Mama Rich,” who remains at large, consistently denied them medical care.

The ordeal extended beyond physical abuse.

Victims reported being taken to a shrine, stripped naked, shaved, and coerced into swearing oaths under threat of madness or death should they attempt escape.

During the raid, police seized a locally manufactured shotgun, quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a half-gallon of locally brewed alcohol allegedly laced with drugs, and several restricted substances.

The rescued women have since been referred to the Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service for rehabilitation and reintegration support.

Meanwhile, the arrested suspects are in custody, assisting with ongoing investigations.

Speaking to the media, DCOP Acquaye reaffirmed the police service’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He stressed that addressing human trafficking requires strong inter-agency collaboration to safeguard vulnerable individuals.