GIS apprehends 31 individuals in connection with suspected prostitution and human trafficking
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) under its Axim Sector Command, part of the Western Regional Command, has apprehended 31 individuals from ECOWAS nations in connection with suspected prostitution and human trafficking activities.
The arrests were made in and around a well-known brothel, masquerading as the “BAFANA BAFANA BEACH RESORT,” located in the Ellembele District and Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region. The operation, conducted over two days and based on intelligence, commenced with a raid on the brothel and surrounding drinking establishments and makeshift structures in the Essiama area.
A total of 17 individuals were initially apprehended during the operation, including the proprietor and manager of the facility, Mr. Kofi Bekoe, aged 62. Subsequently, 12 more individuals, along with two suspected accomplices in human trafficking, were arrested during two additional mop-up operations carried out later on the same Saturday evening and in the early hours of Sunday.
The investigation also revealed that all the suspects had entered the country without the necessary travel documents, such as passports.
Furthermore, during the search of the individuals and premises, packs of used and unused condoms were found, particularly within the rooms.
It’s worth noting that Mr. Bekoe had been previously arrested a few months ago in connection with a case involving harboring foreign nationals engaged in prostitution, which is in violation of various Ghanaian laws and regulations, including the Criminal Code of 1960 (Act 29), Aliens’ Registration Regulation 1974 (L.I. 856), and Section 13 of the Immigration Service Act 2000 (ACT 573).
The arrested suspects are currently under the custody of the Western Regional Command Headquarters for further investigations, possible legal proceedings, and subsequent repatriation to their home countries.
