Accra: Two individuals accused of trafficking three persons from Nigeria to Ghana and forcing them into prostitution have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court. Chidemma Nweke, a 24-year-old sex worker known as Mama, and Mercy Francis, a 27-year-old trader, allegedly lured the victims to Ghana under the guise of providing them with employment opportunities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the accused were apprehended by police personnel at Asuogya Krobo in Wassa Akropong, located in the Western North Region. They face charges of abetment of crime concerning human trafficking and human trafficking itself. Chidemma Nweke is accused of trafficking one person, while Mercy Francis, also known as Blessing or Gina, allegedly trafficked two individuals. Both have denied the charges and have been remanded into custody by Mrs. Christina Cann, the presiding judge, with a scheduled court reappearance on April 29, 2025.
The court heard that two accomplices, identified as Favour and Blessing, remain at large. The prosecution revealed that the complainant in the case is Chief Calistus Eloziepuwa, the President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Ghana. Nweke and Francis, both Nigerian nationals residing in Wassa Akropong, are said to have been involved in the trafficking activities.
On April 7, 2025, the complainant, along with Favour Chinecherem, a victim, reported to the Anti Human Trafficking Unit, Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters. They disclosed that a good Samaritan had assisted Favour in escaping from the traffickers en route to Accra. Upon interviewing the victim, it was revealed that other victims were being held at Asuogva Krobo in Wassa Akropong, and she identified all four accused individuals.
A police operation conducted on April 10, 2025, led to the rescue of six additional victims and the arrest of the two accused. Investigations unveiled that Chidemma recruited Favour Chinecherem from Nigeria to Ghana with false promises of employment in a boutique. Instead, Favour was held at a brothel in Asuogva Krobo and coerced into prostitution, with the proceeds seized.
Further court proceedings revealed that Mercy Francis, who managed the brothel and a drinking spot called Royal City Pub, advised Chidemma to sell Favour. Mercy facilitated the sale of Favour to two buyers, identified as Favour and Blessing, for GHS5,000, with Mercy receiving a GHS500 share, which she used to paint the pub. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices.
