Nigerian Women Allege Trafficking and Forced Prostitution in Ghana, Spark Rent Dispute

Kumasi /Ghana – A group of Nigerian women aged 20 and above have alleged that they were brought from Nigeria to Ghana under false pretenses of legitimate employment, only to find themselves forced into prostitution.

In interviews, the women said a recruiter brought them to Ghana with promises of “proper work.” They claim that upon arrival, the recruiter informed them they would have to engage in prostitution to survive and to earn enough money to return to Nigeria. According to one woman, the recruiter also told them they must recruit other girls to replace them before they would be allowed to leave.

The allegations have drawn attention after a dispute over unpaid rent, reportedly amounting to 1,500 Ghana cedis, erupted between a landlady and some of the women. The argument highlighted the housing arrangements linked to the case.

The women are calling on the Ghanaian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to work with the Ghana Immigration Service to address what they describe as an ongoing problem. They say the practice involving some Ghanaian businesswomen has persisted and requires urgent intervention.

An immigration officer who spoke on the matter said authorities are collaborating with the government and the Ghana Police Service to tackle the issue. He stated that efforts are underway to curb the practice and to arrest foreigners found to be engaging in prostitution in the country.

Officials have not confirmed arrests or charges related to the specific case. Human trafficking for sexual exploitation is a criminal offense under Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694).

The Ghana Human Trafficking Secretariat has previously urged victims and the public to report suspected cases.

This report is based on accounts provided by the women and an interview with an immigration officer. The allegations have not been independently verified in court.

Bright Adu Boakye/ Kessben Media