Omanghana
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has rescued 112 suspected victims of human trafficking following a major intelligence-led operation in Asankragwa in the Western Region.
The operation, carried out by the Asankragwa Sector Command on May 20, 2026, targeted a suspected trafficking network accused of using local premises to facilitate commercial sexual exploitation. Authorities say the raid successfully disrupted the activities of the organized syndicate and led to the rescue of dozens of vulnerable individuals.
According to preliminary screenings conducted by immigration officials, all 112 victims were female, ranging in age from 12 to 38 years. Investigations revealed that the victims had been trafficked from neighboring West African countries and were allegedly being exploited under the control of the network.
The rescued group consisted of 110 Nigerian nationals, one citizen of Benin, and one Cameroonian national.
Following the operation, the victims were transferred to a secure facility in the Greater Accra Region, where they received medical attention, psychological assessment, and other forms of support aimed at protecting their welfare and assisting in their recovery.
The GIS confirmed that 105 of the rescued foreign nationals have since been safely repatriated to their respective home countries through coordinated efforts involving immigration authorities, diplomatic missions, and partner agencies.
Authorities noted that a small number of victims remain in Ghana temporarily to assist investigators and prosecutors as witnesses in ongoing legal proceedings against those suspected of operating the trafficking network.
The successful operation forms part of a broader effort by the Ghana Immigration Service to combat human trafficking and dismantle cross-border criminal syndicates operating within the sub-region.
Security experts have long identified mining communities and rapidly growing commercial centers as areas vulnerable to trafficking activities. Traffickers often target women and girls with promises of employment in hospitality, retail, or domestic work, only for victims to find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions.
The GIS has reiterated its commitment to strengthening border security, enhancing intelligence gathering, and collaborating with regional and international partners to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
Officials have also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may be linked to trafficking networks, emphasizing that community cooperation remains a vital component in the fight against organized crime.
The rescue of the 112 victims marks one of the most significant anti-trafficking operations conducted by the GIS in recent months and underscores the agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle human trafficking and safeguard human rights across Ghana.
Source: Omanghana
