GIS rescues 112 foreign women; 105 confirmed as trafficking victims

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has repatriated 105 foreign nationals identified as victims of human trafficking following an intelligence-led operation at Asankragwa in the Western North Region.

The operation was carried out on May 20, 2026, by the Asankragwa Sector Command under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Kwabena Adjei.

A statement issued by the Service and published on its Facebook page on June 2, 2026, said the operation targeted premises suspected to be housing persons engaged in commercial sex activities.

According to the GIS, an initial screening of the 112 individuals rescued revealed that they comprised 110 Nigerians, one Beninese and one Cameroonian.

The Service said all 112 individuals were female and aged between 12 and 38 years.

Further investigations

The GIS said the rescued individuals were transferred to a holding centre in the Greater Accra Region for further processing and investigations.

It said investigations conducted by its Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons (AHSTIP) Unit later identified seven suspects and confirmed that 105 of the rescued persons were victims of human trafficking.

The Service explained that it subsequently worked with the relevant embassies and community representatives to facilitate the safe return of the victims to their respective countries.

The seven suspects remain under investigation and could face prosecution if found culpable, according to the GIS.

Warning

Commenting on the operation, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Samuel Basintale Amadu, urged foreign nationals residing in Ghana to comply with the country’s immigration and criminal laws.

The GIS said the exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, human smuggling and other transnational crimes.

It also reaffirmed its resolve to enforce Ghana’s immigration laws and protect vulnerable persons from exploitation.

Source: graphic.com.gh