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In the Western region of Ghana, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), specifically the Axim Sector Command, has apprehended 31 individuals suspected of involvement in prostitution and human trafficking activities in the vicinity of a notorious brothel known as the Bafana Bafana Resort. This operation was carried out over two days and was initiated with a raid on the mentioned brothel, as well as nearby drinking establishments and makeshift structures in the Essiama area. The operation resulted in the detention of individuals ranging in age from 22 to 37.
Out of the 31 individuals taken into custody, 17 were identified as suspects or victims, which included the owner and manager of the Bafana Bafana Resort, a 62-year-old man named Mr. Kofi Bekoe. Subsequently, 12 additional individuals, including two suspected human trafficking collaborators, were apprehended during two separate mop-up operations conducted on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
In total, this extensive operation, spanning more than 30 hours, resulted in the detention of 28 suspected prostitutes, including two nursing mothers. The other three individuals detained were the two suspected human traffickers, Mr. Ndubueze Okereke, 37 years old, and his wife, Ifeoma Okereke, 35 years old, both of Nigerian nationality. The sole exception among the detainees was Mr. Kofi Bekoe, who is Ghanaian and is believed to be linked to a suspected human trafficking syndicate.
The GIS stated that this operation was executed with the collaboration of local authorities due to growing concerns regarding illicit activities, particularly involving foreign nationals, in the affected communities and the apparent impunity with which the brothel was operating.
During the course of their investigations, the GIS discovered that all the detainees had entered the country illegally and lacked passports or any other travel identification documents. A search of their persons and the premises revealed the presence of both used and unused condoms, particularly in the rooms.
Furthermore, it was noted that Mr. Bekoe had been arrested several months prior and released on bail while investigations were ongoing into a case related to harboring foreign nationals engaged in prostitution. This action was contrary to Ghana’s Criminal Code of 1960, Aliens’ Registration Regulation 1974 (L.I. 856), and Section 13 of the Immigration Service Act 2000 (ACT 573), as well as other relevant legislation.
Currently, the detainees are in the custody of the Western Regional Command Headquarters for further investigations, potential prosecution, and eventual repatriation to their respective countries.
The GIS used this statement as an opportunity to remind property owners and landlords across Ghana to be aware of the aforementioned laws and their consequences, emphasizing the importance of verifying the immigration status of potential foreign tenants before renting out their properties.
